| 1 One who keeps the Law multiplies offerings; one who fol ows the commandments offers communionsacrifices. |
| 2 Proof of gratitude is an offering of fine flour, almsgiving a sacrifice of praise. |
| 3 To abandon wickedness is what pleases the Lord, to give up wrong-doing is an expiatory sacrifice. |
| 4 Do not appear empty-handed in the Lord's presence; for all these things are due under thecommandment. |
| 5 The offering of the upright graces the altar, and its savour rises before the Most High. |
| 6 The sacrifice of the upright is acceptable, its memorial wil not be forgotten. |
| 7 Honour the Lord with generosity, do not stint the first-fruits you bring. |
| 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, as generously as your means can afford; |
| 10 for the Lord is a good rewarder, he wil reward you seven times over. |
| 11 Do not try to bribe him with presents, he wil not accept them, do not put your faith in wronglymotivated sacrifices; |
| 12 for the Lord is a judge who is utterly impartial. |
| 13 He never shows partiality to the detriment of the poor, he listens to the plea of the injured party. |
| 14 He does not ignore the orphan's supplication, nor the widow's as she pours out her complaint. |
| 15 Do the widow's tears not run down her cheeks, as she accuses the man who is the cause of them? |
| 16 Whoever wholeheartedly serves God will be accepted, his petitions wil carry to the clouds. |
| 17 The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds: and until it does, he is not to be consoled, |
| 18 nor wil he desist until the Most High takes notice of him, acquits the upright and delivers judgement. |
| 19 And the Lord will not be slow, nor wil he be dilatory on their behalf, |
| 20 until he has crushed the loins of the merciless and exacted vengeance on the nations, |
| 21 until he has eliminated the hordes of the arrogant and broken the sceptres of the wicked, |
| 22 until he has repaid al people as their deeds deserve and human actions as their intentions merit, |
| 23 until he has judged the case of his people and made them rejoice in his mercy. |
| 24 Mercy is welcome in time of trouble, like rain clouds in time of drought. |