Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 35
35
The Law and Sacrifices
1The one who keeps the law makes many offerings;
2one who heeds the commandments makes an offering of well-being.
3The one who returns a kindness offers choice flour,
4and one who gives alms sacrifices a thank offering.
5To keep from wickedness is pleasing to the Lord,
and to forsake unrighteousness is an atonement.
6Do not appear before the Lord empty-handed,
7for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the commandment.
8The offering of the righteous enriches the altar,
and its pleasing odor rises before the Most High.
9The sacrifice of the righteous is acceptable,
and it will never be forgotten.
10Be generous when you worship the Lord,
and do not stint the first fruits of your hands.
11With every gift show a cheerful face,
and dedicate your tithe with gladness.
12Give to the Most High as he has given to you,
and as generously as you can afford.
13For the Lord is the one who repays,
and he will repay you sevenfold.
Divine Justice
14Do not offer him a bribe, for he will not accept it;
15and do not rely on a dishonest sacrifice;
for the Lord is the judge,
and with him there is no partiality.
16He will not show partiality to the poor;
but he will listen to the prayer of one who is wronged.
17He will not ignore the supplication of the orphan,
or the widow when she pours out her complaint.
18Do not the tears of the widow run down her cheek
19as she cries out against the one who causes them to fall?
20The one whose service is pleasing to the Lord will be accepted,
and his prayer will reach to the clouds.
21The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds,
and it will not rest until it reaches its goal;
it will not desist until the Most High responds
22and does justice for the righteous, and executes judgment.
Indeed, the Lord will not delay,
and like a warrior#35.22 Heb: Gk and with them will not be patient
until he crushes the loins of the unmerciful
23and repays vengeance on the nations;
until he destroys the multitude of the insolent,
and breaks the scepters of the unrighteous;
24until he repays mortals according to their deeds,
and the works of all according to their thoughts;
25until he judges the case of his people
and makes them rejoice in his mercy.
26His mercy is as welcome in time of distress
as clouds of rain in time of drought.
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Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 35: NRSV-CI
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New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989 Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved.