Sirach - Chapter 35

Passage

He that keeps the law, multiplies offerings. It is a wholesome sacrifice to take heed to the commandments, and to depart from all iniquity. And to depart from injustice, is to offer a propitiatory sacrifice for injustices, and a begging of pardon for sins. He shall return thanks, that offers fine flour: and he that does mercy, offers sacrifice. To depart from iniquity is that which pleases the Lord, and to depart from injustice, is an entreaty for sins. You shall not appear empty in the sight of the Lord. For all these things are to be done because of the commandment of God. The oblation of the just makes the altar fat, and is an odor of sweetness in the sight of the most High. The sacrifice of the just is acceptable, and the Lord will not forget the memorial thereof. Give glory to God with a good heart: and diminish not the firstfruits of your hands. In every gift show a cheerful countenance, and sanctify your tithes with joy. Give to the most High according to what he has given to you, and with a good eye do according to the ability of your hands: For the Lord makes recompense, and will give you seven times as much. Do not offer wicked gifts, for such he will not receive. And look not upon an unjust sacrifice, for the Lord is judge, and there is not with him respect of person. The Lord will not accept any person against a poor man, and he will hear the prayer of him that is wronged. He will not despise the prayers of the fatherless: nor the widow, when she pours out her complaint. Do not the widow's tears run down the cheek, and her cry against him that causes them to fall? For from the cheek they go up even to heaven, and the Lord that hears will not be delighted with them. He that adores God with joy, shall be accepted, and his prayer shall approach even to the clouds. The prayer of him that humbles 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. 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: And he will repay vengeance to the Gentiles, till he has taken away the multitude of the proud, and broken the sceptres of the unjust, Till he has rendered to men according to their deeds: and according to the works of Adam, and according to his presumption, Till he has judged the cause of his people, and he shall delight the just with his mercy. The mercy of God is beautiful in the time of affliction, as a cloud of rain in the time of drought.