13
The Lord hates all abominations, and they are not loved by those who fear him.
14
It was he who created man in the beginning, and he left him in the power of his own inclination.
15
If you will, you can keep the commandments, and to act faithfully is a matter of your own choice.
16
He has placed before you fire and water: stretch out your hand for whichever you wish.
17
Before a man are life and death, and whichever he chooses will be given to him.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.