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15:1  The one who fears the Lord will do this, and he who follows the law will obtain wisdom.
15:2  She will come forth to meet him like a mother; like a young bride she will receive him,
15:3  nourish him with the bread of understanding, and give him the water of wisdom to imbibe.
15:4  He will lean on her and not fall, rely on her and not be put to shame.
15:5  She will exalt him above his neighbors and provide him with eloquence in the midst of the assembly.
15:6  He will experience happiness and a crown of joy and inherit an everlasting name.
15:7  The foolish will never obtain her, nor will sinners behold her.
15:8  She keeps herself distant from the arrogant, and liars never call her to mind.
15:9  Praise is unseemly on the lips of a sinner, for its source has not been God.
15:10  Praise is uttered only by the tongue of the wise, and the Lord himself prompts it.
15:11  Do not say, “God is responsible for my falling away,” for you ought not do what he hates.
15:12  Do not say, “It was he who led me astray,” for he has no need of a sinner.
15:13  The Lord hates everything that is abominable, and those who fear him love it not.
15:14  In the beginning, when God created man, he left him free to make his own decisions.
15:15  If you choose, you can keep the commandments, and to act faithfully is within your power.
15:16  He has set before you fire and water; stretch out your hand for whichever you choose.
15:17  Before each man are life and death, and whichever one he chooses will be given.
15:18  For great is the wisdom of the Lord; he is mighty in power and all-seeing.
15:19  His eyes are on those who fear him, and he is aware of every human action.
15:20  He has not commanded anyone to be wicked, and he has given no one permission to sin.