Fire and Water

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Sirach 15:15-18

If you want to, you can keep the Lord's commands. You can decide whether you will be loyal to him or not.  He has placed fire and water before you; reach out and take whichever you want.  You have a choice between life and death; you will get whichever you choose.  The Lord's wisdom and power are great and he sees everything.
 
Good News Translation (GNT) Copyright © 1992 by American Bible Society


Wisdom speaks where we sometimes choose not to go.
He has placed before us a pool of cool fresh water, nourishment for the soul
and a pit of fire, unending.
We choose.

The pit of flame mesmerizes us with passion.
It promises us everything the world teaches as fulfillment.
We lust for the fire,
our souls bake with the heat of the flames.

Choose the pit,
or step into the pool.

Cool, refreshing water,
bathe my blemishes,
cleanse away my stains and shame,
refresh and rejuvenate.
The water is life and the fire is death.
We can not possess both.

So choose one,
reach out and take what is offered.
It is up to you.
He will guide you to the water's edge,
the living water.
It is your choice if you accept the fire.



copyright 2017 - Donald P James Jr

Sirach,
also known as The Wisdom of Sirach or Ecclesiasticus
Deuterocanonicals/Apocraypha

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