Sirach 35

NEW AMERICAN BIBLE	KING JAMES BIBLE
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 bringeth offerings enough: he that taketh heed to the commandment offereth a peace offering.
2 In works of charity one offers fine flour, and when he gives alms he presents his sacrifice of praise.	2 He that requiteth a goodturn offereth fine flour; and he that giveth alms sacrificeth praise.
3 To refrain from evil pleases the LORD, and to avoid injustice is an atonement.	3 To depart from wickedness is a thing pleasing to the Lord; and to forsake unrighteousness is a propitiation.
4 Appear not before the LORD empty-handed, for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the precepts.	4 Thou shalt not appear empty before the Lord.
5 The just man's offering enriches the altar and rises as a sweet odor before the Most High.	5 For all these things [are to be done] because of the commandment.
6 The just man's sacrifice is most pleasing, nor will it ever be forgotten.	6 The offering of the righteous maketh the altar fat, and the sweet savour thereof is before the most High.
7 In generous spirit pay homage to the LORD, be not sparing of freewill gifts.	7 The sacrifice of a just man is acceptable. and the memorial thereof shall never be forgotten.
8 With each contribution show a cheerful countenance, and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy.	8 Give the Lord his honour with a good eye, and diminish not the firstfruits of thine hands.
9 Give to the Most High as he has given to you, generously, according to your means.	9 In all thy gifts shew a cheerful countenance, and dedicate thy tithes with gladness.
10 For the LORD is one who always repays, and he will give back to you sevenfold.	10 Give unto the most High according as he hath enriched thee; and as thou hast gotten, give with a cheerful eye.
11 But offer no bribes, these he does not accept! Trust not in sacrifice of the fruits of extortion,	11 For the Lord recompenseth, and will give thee seven times as much.
12 For he is a God of justice, who knows no favorites.	12 Do not think to corrupt with gifts; for such he will not receive: and trust not to unrighteous sacrifices; for the Lord is judge, and with him is no respect of persons.
13 Though not unduly partial toward the weak, yet he hears the cry of the oppressed.	13 He will not accept any person against a poor man, but will hear the prayer of the oppressed.
14 He is not deaf to the wail of the orphan, nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint;	14 He will not despise the supplication of the fatherless; nor the widow, when she poureth out her complaint.
15 Do not the tears that stream down her cheek cry out against him that causes them to fall?	15 Do not the tears run down the widow's cheeks? and is not her cry against him that causeth them to fall?
16 He who serves God willingly is heard; his petition reaches the heavens.	16 He that serveth the Lord shall be accepted with favour, and his prayer shall reach unto the clouds.
17 The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds; it does not rest till it reaches its goal,	17 The prayer of the humble pierceth the clouds: and till it come nigh, he will not be comforted; and will not depart, till the most High shall behold to judge righteously, and execute judgment.
18 Nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds, judges justly and affirms the right.	18 For the Lord will not be slack, neither will the Mighty be patient toward them, till he have smitten in sunder the loins of the unmerciful, and repayed vengeance to the heathen; till he have taken away the multitude of the proud, and broken the sceptre of the unrighteous;
19 God indeed will not delay, and like a warrior, will not be still	19 Till he have rendered to every man according to his deeds, and to the works of men according to their devices; till he have judged the cause of his people, and made them to rejoice in his mercy.
20 Till he breaks the backs of the merciless and wreaks vengeance upon the proud;	20 Mercy is seasonable in the time of affliction, as clouds of rain in the time of drought.
21 Till he destroys the haughty root and branch, and smashes the scepter of the wicked;	21 []
22 Till he requites mankind according to its deeds, and repays men according to their thoughts;	22 []
23 Till he defends the cause of his people, and gladdens them by his mercy.	23 []
24 Welcome is his mercy in time of distress as rain clouds in time of drought.	24 []
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