Wisdom of Sirach 15, verse 1. He who fears the Lord will do this, And he who holds fast to the law will obtain wisdom. Wisdom of Sirach 15, verse 2. She will come to meet him like a mother And accept him like the wife of one's youth. Wisdom of Sirach 15, verse 3. She will feed him the bread of understanding And give him the water of wisdom to drink. Wisdom of Sirach 15, verse 4. He will be supported by her and not fall; And he will hold on to her and not be put to shame. Wisdom of Sirach 15, verse 5. She will exalt him alongside his neighbors, And in the midst of the assembly she will open his mouth. Wisdom of Sirach 15, verse 6. He will find gladness and a crown of rejoicing And will inherit an everlasting name. Wisdom of Sirach 15, verse 7. But foolish men will not find her, And sinful men will not see her. Wisdom of Sirach 15, verse 8. She is far from the arrogant, And lying men will not keep her in mind. Wisdom of Sirach 15, verse 9. Praise is not proper in the mouth of a sinner, Because it was not sent from the Lord. Wisdom of Sirach 15, verse 10. For praise should be spoken in wisdom; Then the Lord will prosper it.
Our Sin Is Our Fault
Wisdom of Sirach 15, verse 11. Do not say, “I fell away because of the Lord,” For He will not do what He hates. Wisdom of Sirach 15, verse 12. Do not say, “It was He who led me astray,” For He has no need of a sinful man. Wisdom of Sirach 15, verse 13. The Lord hates all abominations, And they are not loved by those who fear Him. Wisdom of Sirach 15, verse 14. He Himself created man in the beginning And left him in the counsel of his will. Wisdom of Sirach 15, verse 15. If you will, you will keep the commandments And faithfully do His good pleasure. Wisdom of Sirach 15, verse 16. He has set before you fire and water; If you will, stretch forth your hand. Wisdom of Sirach 15, verse 17. Life and death are before mankind, And whichever he chooses, it will be given to him. Wisdom of Sirach 15, verse 18. For great is the wisdom of the Lord; He is mighty in power and sees all things. Wisdom of Sirach 15, verse 19. His eyes are upon those who fear Him, And He Himself knows every deed of man. Wisdom of Sirach 15, verse 20. He has commanded no one to be ungodly, And He has given no one license to sin.