Sirach 15

1 The one who fears the Lord will do this, and whoever holds fast to the law will take hold of wisdom. 2 She will meet him like a mother and welcome him like a virgin bride welcomes her husband. 3 She will feed him the bread of understanding and give him the water of wisdom to drink. 4 He will lean on her and will not be shaken; he will depend on her and will not be put to shame. 5 She will raise him above his neighbors and open his mouth in the middle of the assembly.

6 He will find gladness and a crown of rejoicing, and he will inherit an everlasting name. 7 People without understanding will not take hold of her, and sinful men will not see her. 8 She is far from pride, and lying men will not remember her. 9 Praise is not fitting in a sinner’s mouth, because it was not sent from the Lord. 10 Praise will be spoken with wisdom, and the Lord will make it prosper.

11 Do not say, “I turned away because of the Lord,” because he will not do what he hates. 12 Do not say, “He led me astray,” because he has no need of a sinful man. 13 The Lord hates every detestable thing, and none of them is loved by those who fear him. 14 He himself made humanity from the beginning and left each person in the hand of his own counsel. 15 If you are willing, you will keep the commands and faithfully do what pleases him.

16 He has placed fire and water before you; stretch out your hand to whichever you choose. 17 Life and death are before human beings, and whichever one a person chooses will be given to him. 18 The Lord’s wisdom is great; he is mighty in power and sees everything. 19 His eyes are on those who fear him, and he knows every human work. 20 He has commanded no one to act in ungodliness, and he has given no one permission to sin.