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