Sirach 35

NEW JERUSALEM	DOUAI-RHEIMS
1 One who keeps the Law multiplies offerings; one who fol ows the commandments offers communionsacrifices.	1 He that keepeth the law, multiplieth offerings.
2 Proof of gratitude is an offering of fine flour, almsgiving a sacrifice of praise.	2 It is a wholesome sacrifice to take heed to the commandments, and to depart from all iniquity. _J
3 To abandon wickedness is what pleases the Lord, to give up wrong-doing is an expiatory sacrifice.	3 And to depart from injustice, is to offer a propitiatory sacrifice for injustices, and a begging of pardon for sins.
4 Do not appear empty-handed in the Lord's presence; for all these things are due under thecommandment.	4 He shall return thanks, that offereth fine flour: and he that doth mercy, offereth sacrifice.
5 The offering of the upright graces the altar, and its savour rises 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 sacrifice of the upright is acceptable, its memorial wil not be forgotten.	6 Thou shalt not appear empty in the sight of the Lord.
7 Honour the Lord with generosity, do not stint the first-fruits you bring.	7 For all these things are to be done because of the commandment of God.
8 Add a smiling face to al your gifts, and be cheerful as you dedicate your tithes.	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, as generously as your means can afford;	9 The sacrifice of the just is acceptable, and the Lord will not forget the memorial thereof.
10 for the Lord is a good rewarder, he wil reward you seven times over.	10 Give glory to God with a good heart: and diminish not the firstfruits of thy hands.
11 Do not try to bribe him with presents, he wil not accept them, do not put your faith in wronglymotivated sacrifices;	11 In every gift shew a cheerful countenance, and sanctify thy tithes with joy.
12 for the Lord is a judge who is utterly impartial.	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 He never shows partiality to the detriment of the poor, he listens to the plea of the injured party.	13 For the Lord maketh recompense, and will give thee seven times as much.
14 He does not ignore the orphan's supplication, nor the widow's as she pours out her complaint.	14 Do not offer wicked gifts, for such he will not receive.
15 Do the widow's tears not run down her cheeks, as she accuses the man who is the cause of them?	15 And look not upon an unjust sacrifice, for the Lord is judge, and there is not with him respect of person.
16 Whoever wholeheartedly serves God will be accepted, his petitions wil carry to the clouds.	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 humble pierces the clouds: and until it does, he is not to be consoled,	17 He will not despise the prayers of the fatherless; nor the widow, when she poureth out her complaint.
18 nor wil he desist until the Most High takes notice of him, acquits the upright and delivers judgement.	18 Do not the widow's tears run down the cheek, and her cry against him that causeth them to fall?
19 And the Lord will not be slow, nor wil he be dilatory on their behalf,	19 For from the cheek they go up even to heaven, and the Lord that heareth will not be delighted with them.
20 until he has crushed the loins of the merciless and exacted vengeance on the nations,	20 He that adoreth God with joy, shall be accepted, and his prayer shall approach even to the clouds.
21 until he has eliminated the hordes of the arrogant and broken the sceptres 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 until he has repaid al people as their deeds deserve and human actions as their intentions merit,	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 until he has judged the case of his people and made them rejoice in 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 Mercy is welcome in time of trouble, like 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.