Read & explore together
Do not blame God for the choice to sin
Sirach 15:11–20 answers a serious excuse: blaming God for sin. This wisdom passage says God does not cause what he hates, and it calls readers to take responsibility for their choices.
Understanding the passage
Listening in context
In this part of Sirach, the writer speaks directly with commands such as “Don’t say” and then gives reasons. The passage contrasts excuses, God’s character, human choice, and the outcomes set before people. It remains wisdom teaching, not a story.
Sirach 15:11–20Main takeaway
This passage teaches that God does not authorise sin, while people are responsible for the choices they make before him.
Look closely at the words
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Do not blame the LordThe passage begins by correcting two statements. A person must not say falling away came “through the Lord” or that God “caused me to err”.
Explanation
The passage begins by correcting two statements. A person must not say falling away came “through the Lord” or that God “caused me to err”. The reason is that God does not do what he hates, and he has no need of a sinful person. Sirach rejects blaming God for sin.
02God hates what is evilSirach says, “The Lord hates every abomination.” That means evil is not something he approves.
Explanation
Sirach says, “The Lord hates every abomination.” That means evil is not something he approves. It also says those who fear him do not love such things. The passage links reverence for God with turning away from what he hates, not with making excuses for it.
03People are left with real choiceThe writer says God made man from the beginning and “left him in the hand of his own counsel”.
Explanation
The writer says God made man from the beginning and “left him in the hand of his own counsel”. Then he adds, “If you choose, you can keep the commandments.” Faithfulness is presented as a matter of choice. The text stresses human responsibility, not compulsion from God.
04Two paths are set before peopleSirach uses striking pictures: fire and water, life and death. A person stretches out a hand to what he desires, and what he likes will be given to him.
Explanation
Sirach uses striking pictures: fire and water, life and death. A person stretches out a hand to what he desires, and what he likes will be given to him. These images underline that choices lead in different directions. The passage urges careful moral decision-making.
05God sees and does not permit sinThe closing reason is God’s greatness. His wisdom is great, he is mighty in power, and he sees all things.
Explanation
The closing reason is God’s greatness. His wisdom is great, he is mighty in power, and he sees all things. His eyes are on those who fear him, and he knows every act of man. So the passage concludes that God has not commanded ungodliness or given licence to sin.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01Which two excuses does Sirach tell people not to say?
Look at the repeated words “Don’t say” and notice how each excuse makes God the cause of sin.
02What images does the passage use to describe choice and outcomes?
Find the paired pictures in the middle of the passage and consider how they show different results.
03How does the end of the passage explain why God should not be blamed for sin?
Notice what it says about God’s wisdom, power, sight, and what he has not commanded or permitted.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Sirach 15:11–20
11Don’t say, “It is through the Lord that I fell away;” for you shall not do the things that he hates.
12Don’t say, “It is he that caused me to err;” for he has no need of a sinful man.
13The Lord hates every abomination; and those who fear him don’t love them.
14He himself made man from the beginning and left him in the hand of his own counsel.
15If you choose, you can keep the commandments. To be faithful is a matter of your choice.
16He has set fire and water before you. You will stretch forth your hand to whichever you desire.
17Before man is life and death. Whichever he likes, it will be given to him.
18For the wisdom of the Lord is great. He is mighty in power, and sees all things.
19His eyes are upon those who fear him. He knows every act of man.
20He has not commanded any man to be ungodly. He has not given any man license to sin.