Ben Sira 15:5-15

5 She will exalt him above his neighbors, and will open his mouth in the midst of the assembly.
6 He will find gladness and a crown of rejoicing, and will acquire an everlasting name.
7 Foolish men will not obtain her, and sinful men will not see her.
8 She is far from men of pride, and liars will never think of her.
9 A hymn of praise is not fitting on the lips of a sinner, for it has not been sent from the Lord.
10 For a hymn of praise should be uttered in wisdom, and the Lord will prosper it.
11 Do not say, "Because of the Lord I left the right way"; for he will not do what he hates.
12 Do not say, "It was he who led me astray"; for he had no need of a sinful man.
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.
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.