Sirach 15:15-20
Chapter 15
15
If you want, you can follow the commandments, and it is within your power to stay faithful.
16
He has set fire and water before you; you choose whichever you prefer.
17
Life and death lie before man: whatever a person chooses will be granted to him.
18
How magnificent is the wisdom of the Lord! He is powerful and all-seeing.
19
His eyes are on those who fear him. He knows all of man’s works.
20
He has not commanded anyone to be godless and has not granted anyone permission to sin.
Commentaries
Origin of Sin.
The theme of personal freedom to choose good or evil, life or death (cf. Dt 30:15-20) is developed here; sin, evil, and all other anti-values in the world are not the work of God, but of human injustice. There is no argument for believing, much less preaching, that evil and sin can also come from God.