4 Maccabees 2:4

²on this ground, therefore, the temperate Joseph is praised in that by reasoning, he subdued, on reflection, the indulgence of sense.

³For, although young, and ripe for sexual intercourse, he abrogated by reasoning the stimulus of his passions.

— 4 Maccabees 2:4 —

⁵For instance, the law says, Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor anything that belongs to thy neighbor.

⁶Now, then, since it is the law which has forbidden us to desire, I shall much the more easily persuade you, that reasoning is able to govern our lusts, just as it does the affections which are impediments to justice.