14 It was he who created humankind in the beginning,

and he left them in the power of their own free choice.

15 If you choose, 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 choose.

17 Before each person are life and death,

and whichever one chooses will be given.