Sirach 35

NEW AMERICAN BIBLE	CATHOLIC PUBLIC DOMAIN
1 To keep the law is a great oblation, and he who observes the commandments sacrifices a peace offering.	1 Whoever observes the law multiplies oblations.
2 In works of charity one offers fine flour, and when he gives alms he presents his sacrifice of praise.	2 It is a salutary sacrifice to attend to the commandments and to withdraw from all iniquity.
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 supplication for sins.
4 Appear not before the LORD empty-handed, for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the precepts.	4 Whoever gives thanks, offers a gift of fine flour, and whoever acts with mercy, offers a sacrifice.
5 The just man's offering enriches the altar and rises as a sweet odor before the Most High.	5 To withdraw from iniquity is well-pleasing to the Lord. And to withdraw from injustice is a supplication for sins.
6 The just man's sacrifice is most pleasing, nor will it ever be forgotten.	6 You should not appear empty before 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 fattens the altar, and is a fragrance 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 never forget the memorial of it.
10 For the LORD is one who always repays, and he will give back to you sevenfold.	10 Render glory to God with a good heart. And you should not reduce the first-fruits of your hands.
11 But offer no bribes, these he does not accept! Trust not in sacrifice of the fruits of extortion,	11 With every gift, have a cheerful countenance, and sanctify your tithes with exultation.
12 For he is a God of justice, who knows no favorites.	12 Give to the Most High according to his gifts to you, and act with a good eye toward the creations of your hands.
13 Though not unduly partial toward the weak, yet he hears the cry of the oppressed.	13 For the Lord gives recompense, and he will repay you 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 be willing to offer corrupt gifts. For he will not accept them.
15 Do not the tears that stream down her cheek cry out against him that causes them to fall?	15 And do not be willing to consider an unjust sacrifice. For the Lord is the judge, and with him there is no favoritism toward anyone.
16 He who serves God willingly is heard; his petition reaches the heavens.	16 The Lord will not accept favoritism against the poor, but he will heed the prayer of one who has been harmed.
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 orphan, nor of the widow, if she utters a lamenting complaint.
18 Nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds, judges justly and affirms the right.	18 Do a widow’s tears not run down her cheek? And will her outcry not cause their downfall?
19 God indeed will not delay, and like a warrior, will not be still	19 For from her cheek, her tears ascend even to heaven. And the Lord, the One who listens, will not take delight in them.
20 Till he breaks the backs of the merciless and wreaks vengeance upon the proud;	20 Whoever adores God with joy will be accepted, and his prayer will reach even to the clouds.
21 Till he destroys the haughty root and branch, and smashes the scepter of the wicked;	21 The prayer of one who humbles himself will pierce the clouds. And it will not be consoled until it draws near; and it will not withdraw until the Most High beholds.
22 Till he requites mankind according to its deeds, and repays men according to their thoughts;	22 And the Lord will not delay, and he will judge for those who are just, and he will accomplish judgment. And the Almighty will not have patience with them, so 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, until he has taken away the multitude of the arrogant, and broken the scepters of the iniquitous,
24 Welcome is his mercy in time of distress as rain clouds in time of drought.	24 until he has rendered to men according to their deeds, and according to the works of Adam, and according to his presumption,
	25 until he has judged the judgment of his people. And he will delight the just with his mercy.
	26 The mercy of God is beautiful in the time of tribulation, like a rain cloud in the time of drought.