Sirach 35

1He who keeps the law makes many offerings;

he who heeds the commandments sacrifices a peace offering.

2He who returns a kindness offers fine flour,

and he who gives alms sacrifices a thank offering.

3To keep from wickedness is pleasing to the Lord,

and to forsake unrighteousness is atonement.

4Do not appear before the Lord empty-handed,

5for all these things are to be done because of the commandment.

6The offering of a righteous man anoints the altar,

and its pleasing odor rises before the Most High.

7The sacrifice of a righteous man is acceptable,

and the memory of it will not be forgotten.

8Glorify the Lord generously,

and do not stint the first fruits of your hands.

9With every gift show a cheerful face,

and dedicate your tithe with gladness.

10Give to the Most High as he has given,

and as generously as your hand has found.

11For the Lord is the one who repays,

and he will repay you sevenfold.

12Do not offer him a bribe, for he will not accept it;

and do not trust to an unrighteous sacrifice;

for the Lord is the judge,

and with him is no partiality.

13He will not show partiality in the case of a poor man;

and he will listen to the prayer of one who is wronged.

14He will not ignore the supplication of the fatherless,

nor the widow when she pours out her story.

15Do not the tears of the widow run down her cheek

as she cries out against him who has caused them to fall?

16He whose service is pleasing to the Lord will be accepted,

and his prayer will reach to the clouds.

17The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds,

and he will not be consoled until it reaches the Lord;a

he will not desist until the Most High visits him,

and does justice for the righteous, and executes judgment.

18And the Lord will not delay,

neither will he be patient with them,

till he crushes the loins of the unmerciful

and repays vengeance on the nations;

till he takes away the multitude of the insolent,

and breaks the scepters of the unrighteous;

19till he repays man according to his deeds,

and the works of men according to their devices;

till he judges the case of his people

and makes them rejoice in his mercy.

20Mercy is as welcome when he afflicts them

as clouds of rain in the time of drought.