Praise is unseemly in a sinner’s mouth, since it has not been put there by the Lord. For praise should be uttered only in wisdom, and the Himself then prompts it. Do not say, ‘The Lord was responsible for my sinning,’ for He does not do what He hates. Do not say, ‘It was He who led me astray,’ for He has no use for a sinner. The Lord hates all that is foul, and no one who fears him will love it either. He himself made human beings in the beginning, and then left them free to make their own decisions. If you choose, you keep the commandments and so be faithful to His will. He has set fire and water before you; put out your hand to whichever you prefer. A human being has and death before him; whichever he prefers will be given him.  –Sirach chapter 15