35:7 for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the commandments.
35:8 The offering of the righteous enriches the altar, and its pleasing odor rises before the Most High.
35:9 The sacrifice of the righteous is acceptable, nor will it ever be forgotten.
35:10 Have a spirit of generosity when you honor the Lord; do not begrudge the firstfruits of your labor.
35:11 With every gift show a cheerful countenance, and dedicate your tithes in a spirit of joy.
35:12 Give to the Most High as he has given to you, as generously as your means allow.
35:13 For the Lord never neglects to repay, and he will reward you sevenfold. [The man who gives to the poor makes God his debtor; who will make recompense if not God?]
35:14 Do not offer God a bribe, for he will not accept it,
35:15 and do not place your hope in a dishonest sacrifice. For the Lord is a judge, and he is completely impartial.
35:16 He will not show favoritism to the detriment of the poor, and he listens to the cries of the oppressed.
35:17 He does not ignore the supplication of the orphan, or that of the widow when she pours out her complaint.
35:18 Do not the tears of the widow stream down her cheeks
35:19 as she cries out against the one who has been their cause?
35:20 The one who serves God wholeheartedly will be heard; his petition will reach the heavens.
35:21 The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds; it does not rest until it reaches its goal. Nor will it desist until the Most High responds,
35:22 relieves the sufferings of the righteous, and reestablishes equity. Indeed God will not delay, nor will he cease to act on their behalf, until he has crushed the bones of the merciless
35:23 and wreaked vengeance on the nations, until he has destroyed the insolent multitude and shattered the scepters of the wicked,
35:24 until he has requited each one according to his deeds and repaid his works as his intentions deserve,
35:25 until he has rendered justice to his people and disposed them to rejoice in his mercy.
35:26 His mercy is as welcome in a time of affliction as rain clouds in a time of drought.
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