Sirach 35

NEW AMERICAN BIBLE	DOUAI-RHEIMS
1 To keep the law is a great oblation, and he who observes the commandments sacrifices a peace offering.	1 He that keepeth the law, multiplieth offerings.
2 In works of charity one offers fine flour, and when he gives alms he presents his sacrifice of praise.	2 It is a wholesome sacrifice to take heed to the commandments, and to depart from all iniquity. _J
3 To refrain from evil pleases the LORD, and to avoid injustice is an atonement.	3 And to depart from injustice, is to offer a propitiatory sacrifice for injustices, and a begging of pardon for sins.
4 Appear not before the LORD empty-handed, for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the precepts.	4 He shall return thanks, that offereth fine flour: and he that doth mercy, offereth sacrifice.
5 The just man's offering enriches the altar and rises as a sweet odor before the Most High.	5 To depart from iniquity is that which pleaseth the Lord, and to depart from injustice, is an entreaty for sins.
6 The just man's sacrifice is most pleasing, nor will it ever be forgotten.	6 Thou shalt not appear empty in the sight of the Lord.
7 In generous spirit pay homage to the LORD, be not sparing of freewill gifts.	7 For all these things are to be done because of the commandment of God.
8 With each contribution show a cheerful countenance, and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy.	8 The oblation of the just maketh the altar fat, and is an odour of sweetness in the sight of the most High.
9 Give to the Most High as he has given to you, generously, according to your means.	9 The sacrifice of the just is acceptable, and the Lord will not forget the memorial thereof.
10 For the LORD is one who always repays, and he will give back to you sevenfold.	10 Give glory to God with a good heart: and diminish not the firstfruits of thy hands.
11 But offer no bribes, these he does not accept! Trust not in sacrifice of the fruits of extortion,	11 In every gift shew a cheerful countenance, and sanctify thy tithes with joy.
12 For he is a God of justice, who knows no favorites.	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 Though not unduly partial toward the weak, yet he hears the cry of the oppressed.	13 For the Lord maketh recompense, and will give thee seven times as much.
14 He is not deaf to the wail of the orphan, nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint;	14 Do not offer wicked gifts, for such he will not receive.
15 Do not the tears that stream down her cheek cry out against him that causes them to fall?	15 And look not upon an unjust sacrifice, for the Lord is judge, and there is not with him respect of person.
16 He who serves God willingly is heard; his petition reaches the heavens.	16 The Lord will not accept any person against a poor man, and he will hear the prayer of him that is wronged.
17 The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds; it does not rest till it reaches its goal,	17 He will not despise the prayers of the fatherless; nor the widow, when she poureth out her complaint.
18 Nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds, judges justly and affirms the right.	18 Do not the widow's tears run down the cheek, and her cry against him that causeth them to fall?
19 God indeed will not delay, and like a warrior, will not be still	19 For from the cheek they go up even to heaven, and the Lord that heareth will not be delighted with them.
20 Till he breaks the backs of the merciless and wreaks vengeance upon the proud;	20 He that adoreth God with joy, shall be accepted, and his prayer shall approach even to the clouds.
21 Till he destroys the haughty root and branch, and smashes the scepter of the wicked;	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 Till he requites mankind according to its deeds, and repays men according to their thoughts;	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 Till he defends the cause of his people, and gladdens them by his mercy.	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 Welcome is his mercy in time of distress as rain clouds in time of drought.	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.