Sirach 15:16

“Before man is life and death, and whichsoever pleaseth him shall be given to him.”” — editor's note: Ecclus. xv. 11–17.

“Before man are good and evil, and life and death; poverty and honour are from the Lord God.’” — editor's note: Ecclus. xv. 14–17.

““Fire and water being set before him, a man stretches forth his hand towards which he pleases;” and yet higher is He who calls man to his higher vocation than any thought on man’s own part, inasmuch as the beginning of correction of the heart lies in…” — editor's note: Ecclus. xv. 16.

“…before thee; stretch forth thy hand unto whether thou wilt; before man are good and evil, life and death, and whichever he liketh shall be given to him,” it is manifest that, if he applies his hand to fire, and if evil and death please him, his human will effects all this; but if, on the contrary, he loves…” — editor's note: Ecclus. xv. 16, 17.