11 Don’t say, “It’s through the master that I fell away;”

for you mustn’t do the things that he hates.

12 Don’t say, “It’s he that caused me to err;”

for he has no need of a sinful man.

13 The master hates every abomination;

and those who fear him don’t love them.

14 He himself made man from the beginning

and left him in the hand of his own counsel.

15 If you choose, you can keep the commandments.

To be faithful is a matter of your choice.

16 He’s set fire and water before you.

You’ll stretch forth your hand to whichever you desire.

17 Before man is life and death.

Whichever he likes, it’ll be given to him.

18 Because the master’s wisdom is great.

He’s mighty in power, and sees all things.

19 His eyes are on those who fear him.

He knows every act of man.

20 He hasn’t commanded any man to be ungodly.

He hasn’t given any man license to sin.