Sirach 15:15–20

¹⁵If you choose, you can keep the commandments,

and to act faithfully is a matter of your choice.

¹⁶He has placed before you fire and water;

stretch out your hand for whichever you choose.

¹⁷Before each person are life and death,

and whichever one chooses will be given.^*

¹⁸For great is the wisdom of the Lord;

he is mighty in power and sees everything;^*

¹⁹his eyes are on those who fear him,

and he knows every human action.^*

²⁰He has not commanded anyone to be ungodly,

and he has not given anyone permission to sin.^*