Home Master Index
←Prev   Sirach 35 as rendered by/in  Next→ 



35:1  To keep the law is to make many offerings;
35:2  whoever observes the commandments sacrifices a peace offering.
35:3  By works of charity one offers fine flour,
35:4  and one who gives alms presents a sacrifice of praise.
35:5  To refrain from evil pleases the Lord, and to avoid injustice is atonement.
35:6  Do not appear before the Lord empty-handed,
35:7  for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the precepts.
35:8  The offering of the just enriches the altar: a sweet odor before the Most High.
35:9  The sacrifice of the just is accepted, never to be forgotten.
35:10  With a generous spirit pay homage to the Lord, and do not spare your freewill gifts.
35:11  With each contribution show a cheerful countenance, and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy.
35:12  Give to the Most High as he has given to you, generously, according to your means.
35:13  For he is a God who always repays and will give back to you sevenfold.
35:14  But offer no bribes; these he does not accept!
35:15  Do not trust in sacrifice of the fruits of extortion, For he is a God of justice, who shows no partiality.
35:16  He shows no partiality to the weak but hears the grievance of the oppressed.
35:17  He does not forsake the cry of the orphan, nor the widow when she pours out her complaint.
35:18  Do not the tears that stream down her cheek
35:19  cry out against the one that causes them to fall?
35:20  Those who serve God to please him are accepted; their petition reaches the clouds.
35:21  The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds; it does not rest till it reaches its goal; Nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds,
35:22  judges justly and affirms the right. God indeed will not delay, and like a warrior, will not be still Till he breaks the backs of the merciless
35:23  and wreaks vengeance upon the nations; Till he destroys the scepter of the proud, and cuts off the staff of the wicked;
35:24  Till he requites everyone according to their deeds, and repays them according to their thoughts;
35:25  Till he defends the cause of his people, and makes them glad by his salvation.
35:26  Welcome is his mercy in time of distress as rain clouds in time of drought.