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Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 35
Sir
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Chapter 35
The Law and sacrifices
1
A man multiplies offerings by keeping the Law; he offers communion sacrifices by following the commandments.
2
By showing gratitude he makes an offering of fine flour, by giving alms he offers a sacrifice of praise.
3
Withdraw from wickedness and the Lord will be pleased, withdraw from injustice and you make atonement.
4
Do not appear empty-handed in the Lord’s presence; for all these things are due under the commandment.
5
A virtuous man’s offering graces the altar, and its savour rises before the Most High.
6
A virtuous man’s sacrifice is acceptable, its memorial will not be forgotten.
7
Honour the Lord with generosity, do not stint the first-fruits you bring.
8
Add a smiling face to all your gifts, and be cheerful as you dedicate your tithes.
9
Give to the Most High as he has given to you, generously as your means can afford;
10
for the Lord is a good rewarder, he will reward you seven times over.
The justice of God
11
Offer him no bribe, he will not accept it, do not put your faith in an unvirtuous sacrifice;
12
since the Lord is a judge who is no respecter of personages.
13
He shows no respect of personages to the detriment of a poor man, 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 story.
15
Do the widow’s tears not run down her cheeks, as she cries out against the man who caused them?
16
The man who with his whole heart serves God will be accepted, his petitions will carry to the clouds.
17
The humble man’s prayer pierces the clouds, until it arrives he is inconsolable,
18
nor will he desist until the Most High takes notice of him, acquits the virtuous and delivers judgement.
19
And the Lord will not be slow, nor will 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 each as his 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.
Chapters of Ecclesiasticus (Sirach)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
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