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 manf 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.