Ben Sira - chapter 15

15: 1 - 20 (translated by Edgar Goodspeed)
Whoever fears the Lord will do this, and whoever masters the Law will win Wisdom.  She will meet him like a mother, and receive him like a bride.  She will feed him with the bread of understanding, and give him the water of wisdom to drink; he will lean on her, and not fall, and will rely on her, and not be disappointed.  She will exalt him above his neighbors, and open his mouth in the midst of the assembly; he will find joy and a crown of gladness, and possess eternal renown.  The foolish will not win her, and sinners will not see her.  She is far from pride/arrogance, and liars give no heed to her.  Praise is not becoming on the lips of a sinner, for it was not sent him from the Lord.  For praise must be uttered in wisdom, and the Lord will make it prosper.  Do not say, "It was because of the Lord that I fell away," for He will not do things that He hates.  Do not say, "It was the Lord that led me astray," for He has no need of a sinner.  The Lord hates anything abominable; and such are not loved by those who fear Him.  It was He who made mankind in the beginning and left them in the hands of their own decisions/free will.  If you choose, you can keep the commandments, and acting faithfully rests on your own good pleasure.  He has set fire and water before you; stretch out your hand for whichever you wish.  Life and death are before each person and whichever one chooses will be given.  For the wisdom of the Lord is great;  He is mighty in strength, and beholds all things.  His eyes rest on those who fear him, and He knows every human action.  He has not commanded anyone to be ungodly, and He has given no one permission to sin.