4 Maccabees 6:18-20

New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised

¹⁸ For it would be irrational if, having lived in accordance with truth up to old age and having maintained in accordance with law the reputation of such a life, we should now change our course ¹⁹ and ourselves become a pattern of impiety to the young by setting them an example in the eating of defiling food. ²⁰ It would be shameful if we should survive for a little while and during that time be a laughing-stock to all for our cowardice,