DRC - Sirach - 35

35:1  He that keepeth the law, multiplieth offerings.

35:2  It is a wholesome sacrifice to take heed to the commandments, and to depart from all iniquity.

35:3  And to depart from injustice, is to offer a propitiatory sacrifice for injustices, and a begging of pardon for sins.

35:4  He shall return thanks, that offereth fine flour: and he that doth mercy, offereth sacrifice.

35:5  To depart from iniquity is that which pleaseth the Lord, and to depart from injustice, is an entreaty for sins.

35:6  Thou shalt not appear empty in the sight of the Lord.

35:7  For all these things are to be done because of the commandment of God.

35:8  The oblation of the just maketh the altar fat, and is an odour of sweetness in the sight of the most High.

35:9  The sacrifice of the just is acceptable, and the Lord will not forget the memorial thereof.

35:10  Give glory to God with a good heart: and diminish not the firstfruits of thy hands.

35:11  In every gift shew a cheerful countenance, and sanctify thy tithes with joy.

35:12  Give to the most High according to what he hath given to thee, and with a good eye do according to the ability of thy hands:

35:13  For the Lord maketh recompense, and will give thee seven times as much.

35:14  Do not offer wicked gifts, for such he will not receive.

35:15  And look not upon an unjust sacrifice, for the Lord is judge, and there is not with him respect of person.

35:16  The Lord will not accept any person against a poor man, and he will hear the prayer of him that is wronged.

35:17  He will not despise the prayers of the fatherless: nor the widow, when she poureth out her complaint.

35:18  Do not the widow's tears run down the cheek, and her cry against him that causeth them to fall?

35:19  For from the cheek they go up even to heaven, and the Lord that heareth will not be delighted with them.

35:20  He that adoreth God with joy, shall be accepted, and his prayer shall approach even to the clouds.

35:21  The prayer of him that humbleth himself, shall pierce the clouds: and till it come nigh he will not be comforted: and he will not depart till the most High behold.

35:22  And the Lord will not be slack, but will judge for the just, and will do judgment: and the Almighty will not have patience with them, that he may crush their back:

35:23  And he will repay vengeance to the Gentiles, till he have taken away the multitude of the proud, and broken the sceptres of the unjust,

35:24  Till he have rendered to men according to their deeds: and according to the works of Adam, and according to his presumption,

35:25  Till he have judged the cause of his people, and he shall delight the just with his mercy.

35:26  The mercy of God is beautiful in the time of affliction, as a cloud of rain in the time of drought.