Common English Bible

Sirach 15:7-20 Common English Bible (CEB)

7. People who lack sense will neverreceive her,and sinners will never see her.

8. She keeps far away from the arrogant,and liars will never remember her.

9. Praise isn’t proper in the mouth of sinnersbecause it hasn’t been assignedby the Lord.

10. Praise must be spoken in wisdom,and the Lord will cause it to prosper.

11. Don’t say, "I fell away because of the Lord."What the Lord hates, he won’t do.

12. Don’t say, "The Lord made me go astray."He has no use for sinful people.

13. The Lord has hated every foul thing,and those who fear himhave no love for such things.

14. He created humanity at the beginning,and he left them to the powerof their choices.

15. If you choose to,you will keep the commandments,and keep faith out of goodwill.

16. He has put fire and water before you;you can stretch out your handfor whichever you choose.

17. Life and death are in frontof human beings;and they will be grantedwhichever they please,

18. because the wisdomof the Lord is great;he’s mighty in authority,he sees everything,

19. his eyes are upon those who fear him,and he knows every human action.

20. He doesn’t command anyoneto be ungodly,and he doesn’t give anyonea license to sin.