Sirach 35
-
1 He that keepeth the law, multiplieth offerings.
-
2 It is a wholesome sacrifice to take heed to the commandments, and to depart from all iniquity.
-
3 And to depart from injustice, is to offer a propitiatory sacrifice for injustices, and a begging of pardon for sins.
-
4 He shall return thanks, that offereth fine flour: and he that doth mercy, offereth sacrifice.
-
5 To depart from iniquity is that which pleaseth the Lord, and to depart from injustice, is an entreaty for sins.
-
6 Thou shalt not appear empty in the sight of the Lord.
-
7 For all these things are to be done because of the commandment of God.
-
8 The oblation of the just maketh the altar fat, and is an odour of sweetness in the sight of the most High.
-
9 The sacrifice of the just is acceptable, and the Lord will not forget the memorial thereof.
-
10 Give glory to God with a good heart: and diminish not the firstfruits of thy hands.
-
11 In every gift shew a cheerful countenance, and sanctify thy tithes with joy.
-
12 Give to the most High according to what he hath given to thee, and with a good eye do according to the ability of thy hands:
-
13 For the Lord maketh recompense, and will give thee seven times as much.
-
14 Do not offer wicked gifts, for such he will not receive.
-
15 And look not upon an unjust sacrifice, for the Lord is judge, and there is not with him respect of person.
-
16 The Lord will not accept any person against a poor man, and he will hear the prayer of him that is wronged.
-
17 He will not despise the prayers of the fatherless: nor the widow, when she poureth out her complaint.
-
18 Do not the widow's tears run down the cheek, and her cry against him that causeth them to fall?
-
19 For from the cheek they go up even to heaven, and the Lord that heareth will not be delighted with them.
-
20 He that adoreth God with joy, shall be accepted, and his prayer shall approach even to the clouds.
-
21 The prayer of him that humbleth himself, shall pierce the clouds: and till it come nigh he will not be comforted: and he will not depart till the most High behold.
-
22 And the Lord will not be slack, but will judge for the just, and will do judgment: and the Almighty will not have patience with them, that he may crush their back:
-
23 And he will repay vengeance to the Gentiles, till he have taken away the multitude of the proud, and broken the sceptres of the unjust,
-
24 Till he have rendered to men according to their deeds: and according to the works of Adam, and according to his presumption,
-
25 Till he have judged the cause of his people, and he shall delight the just with his mercy.
-
26 The mercy of God is beautiful in the time of affliction, as a cloud of rain in the time of drought.