Sirach 35

NEW AMERICAN BIBLE	NEW JERUSALEM
1 To keep the law is a great oblation, and he who observes the commandments sacrifices a peace offering.	1 One who keeps the Law multiplies offerings; one who fol ows the commandments offers communionsacrifices.
2 In works of charity one offers fine flour, and when he gives alms he presents his sacrifice of praise.	2 Proof of gratitude is an offering of fine flour, almsgiving a sacrifice of praise.
3 To refrain from evil pleases the LORD, and to avoid injustice is an atonement.	3 To abandon wickedness is what pleases the Lord, to give up wrong-doing is an expiatory sacrifice.
4 Appear not before the LORD empty-handed, for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the precepts.	4 Do not appear empty-handed in the Lord's presence; for all these things are due under thecommandment.
5 The just man's offering enriches the altar and rises as a sweet odor before the Most High.	5 The offering of the upright graces the altar, and its savour rises before the Most High.
6 The just man's sacrifice is most pleasing, nor will it ever be forgotten.	6 The sacrifice of the upright is acceptable, its memorial wil not be forgotten.
7 In generous spirit pay homage to the LORD, be not sparing of freewill gifts.	7 Honour the Lord with generosity, do not stint the first-fruits you bring.
8 With each contribution show a cheerful countenance, and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy.	8 Add a smiling face to al your gifts, and be cheerful as you dedicate your tithes.
9 Give to the Most High as he has given to you, generously, according to your means.	9 Give to the Most High as he has given to you, as generously as your means can afford;
10 For the LORD is one who always repays, and he will give back to you sevenfold.	10 for the Lord is a good rewarder, he wil reward you seven times over.
11 But offer no bribes, these he does not accept! Trust not in sacrifice of the fruits of extortion,	11 Do not try to bribe him with presents, he wil not accept them, do not put your faith in wronglymotivated sacrifices;
12 For he is a God of justice, who knows no favorites.	12 for the Lord is a judge who is utterly impartial.
13 Though not unduly partial toward the weak, yet he hears the cry of the oppressed.	13 He never shows partiality to the detriment of the poor, he listens to the plea of the injured party.
14 He is not deaf to the wail of the orphan, nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint;	14 He does not ignore the orphan's supplication, nor the widow's as she pours out her complaint.
15 Do not the tears that stream down her cheek cry out against him that causes them to fall?	15 Do the widow's tears not run down her cheeks, as she accuses the man who is the cause of them?
16 He who serves God willingly is heard; his petition reaches the heavens.	16 Whoever wholeheartedly serves God will be accepted, his petitions wil carry to 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 pierces the clouds: and until it does, he is not to be consoled,
18 Nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds, judges justly and affirms the right.	18 nor wil he desist until the Most High takes notice of him, acquits the upright and delivers judgement.
19 God indeed will not delay, and like a warrior, will not be still	19 And the Lord will not be slow, nor wil he be dilatory on their behalf,
20 Till he breaks the backs of the merciless and wreaks vengeance upon the proud;	20 until he has crushed the loins of the merciless and exacted vengeance on the nations,
21 Till he destroys the haughty root and branch, and smashes the scepter of the wicked;	21 until he has eliminated the hordes of the arrogant and broken the sceptres of the wicked,
22 Till he requites mankind according to its deeds, and repays men according to their thoughts;	22 until he has repaid al people as their deeds deserve and human actions as their intentions merit,
23 Till he defends the cause of his people, and gladdens them by his mercy.	23 until he has judged the case of his people and made them rejoice in his mercy.
24 Welcome is his mercy in time of distress as rain clouds in time of drought.	24 Mercy is welcome in time of trouble, like rain clouds in time of drought.