Sirach 35

NEW JERUSALEM	CATHOLIC PUBLIC DOMAIN
1 One who keeps the Law multiplies offerings; one who fol ows the commandments offers communionsacrifices.	1 Whoever observes the law multiplies oblations.
2 Proof of gratitude is an offering of fine flour, almsgiving a sacrifice of praise.	2 It is a salutary sacrifice to attend to the commandments and to withdraw from all iniquity.
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 supplication for sins.
4 Do not appear empty-handed in the Lord's presence; for all these things are due under thecommandment.	4 Whoever gives thanks, offers a gift of fine flour, and whoever acts with mercy, offers a sacrifice.
5 The offering of the upright graces the altar, and its savour rises 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 sacrifice of the upright is acceptable, its memorial wil not be forgotten.	6 You should not appear empty before 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 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, as generously as your means can afford;	9 The sacrifice of the just is acceptable, and the Lord will never forget the memorial of it.
10 for the Lord is a good rewarder, he wil reward you seven times over.	10 Render glory to God with a good heart. And you should not reduce the first-fruits of your hands.
11 Do not try to bribe him with presents, he wil not accept them, do not put your faith in wronglymotivated sacrifices;	11 With every gift, have a cheerful countenance, and sanctify your tithes with exultation.
12 for the Lord is a judge who is utterly impartial.	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 He never shows partiality to the detriment of the poor, he listens to the plea of the injured party.	13 For the Lord gives recompense, and he will repay you 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 be willing to offer corrupt gifts. For he will not accept them.
15 Do the widow's tears not run down her cheeks, as she accuses the man who is the cause of them?	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 Whoever wholeheartedly serves God will be accepted, his petitions wil carry to the clouds.	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 humble pierces the clouds: and until it does, he is not to be consoled,	17 He will not despise the prayers of the orphan, nor of the widow, if she utters a lamenting complaint.
18 nor wil he desist until the Most High takes notice of him, acquits the upright and delivers judgement.	18 Do a widow’s tears not run down her cheek? And will her outcry not cause their downfall?
19 And the Lord will not be slow, nor wil he be dilatory on their behalf,	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 until he has crushed the loins of the merciless and exacted vengeance on the nations,	20 Whoever adores God with joy will be accepted, and his prayer will reach 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 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 until he has repaid al people as their deeds deserve and human actions as their intentions merit,	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 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, until he has taken away the multitude of the arrogant, and broken the scepters of the iniquitous,
24 Mercy is welcome in time of trouble, like 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.