Sirach 15:14–17

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 are life and death,

and whichever he chooses will be given to him.