Chapter 9: Rationalization of Mankind

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[16] For the temperate mind repels all these malicious emotions, just

as it repels anger—for it is sovereign over even this.

[17] When Moses was angry with Dathan and Abiram, he did nothing against them in anger, but controlled his anger by reason. [18] For, as I have

said, the temperate mind is able to get the better of the emotions, to correct some, and to render others powerless.

[19] Why else did Jacob, our most wise father, censure the households

of Simeon and Levi for their irrational slaughter of the entire tribe of the Shechemites, saying, “Cursed be their anger?” [20] For if reason could not control anger, he would not have spoken thus.

[21] Now when God fashioned human beings, he planted in them

emotions and inclinations, [22] but at the same time he enthroned the mind among the senses as a sacred governor over them all. [23] To the mind he gave the law; and one who lives subject to this will rule a kingdom that is temperate, just, good, and courageous.

[24] How is it then, one might say, that if reason is master of the emotions, it does not control forgetfulness and ignorance? 4 Maccabees 3:1 now starts. [1] But this argument is entirely ridiculous for it is evident that

reason rules not over its own emotions, but over those of the body.

[2] No one of us can eradicate that kind of desire, but reason can provide a way for us not to be enslaved by desire. [3] No one of us can

eradicate anger from the mind, but reason can help to deal with anger. [4] No one of us can eradicate malice, but reason can fight at our side so that we are not overcome by malice. [5] For reason does not uproot the emotions but is their antagonist.

[6] Now this can be explained more clearly by the story of King David’s thirst. [7] David had been attacking the Philistines all day long, and together with the soldiers of his nation had killed many of them. [8] Then

when evening fell, he came, sweating and quite exhausted, to the royal tent, around which the whole army of our ancestors had encamped.