Sirach 15:11-20

Revised Standard Version

¹¹ Do not say, “Because of the Lord I left the right way”;
    for he^[a] will not do what he hates.
¹² Do not say, “It was he who led me astray”;
    for he had no need of a sinful man.
¹³ The Lord hates all abominations,
    and they are not loved by those who fear him.
¹⁴ It was he who created man in the beginning,
    and he left him in the power of his own inclination.
¹⁵ If you will, you can keep the commandments,
    and to act faithfully is a matter of your own choice.
¹⁶ He has placed before you fire and water:
    stretch out your hand for whichever you wish.
¹⁷ Before a man^[b] are life and death,
    and whichever he chooses will be given to him.
¹⁸ For great is the wisdom of the Lord;
    he is mighty in power and sees everything;
¹⁹ his eyes are on those who fear him,
    and he knows every deed of man.
²⁰ He has not commanded any one to be ungodly,
    and he has not given any one permission to sin.