Bible, Revised Standard Version
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Sir.35
[1] He who keeps the law makes many offerings;
he who heeds the commandments sacrifices a peace offering.
[2] He who returns a kindness offers fine flour,
and he who gives alms sacrifices a thank offering.
[3] To keep from wickedness is pleasing to the Lord,
and to forsake unrighteousness is atonement.
[4] Do not appear before the Lord empty-handed,
[5] for all these things are to be done because
of the commandment.
[6] The offering of a righteous man anoints the altar,
and its pleasing odor rises before the Most High.
[7] The sacrifice of a righteous man is acceptable,
and the memory of it will not be forgotten.
[8] Glorify the Lord generously,
and do not stint the first fruits of your hands.
[9] With every gift show a cheerful face,
and dedicate your tithe with gladness.
[10] Give to the Most High as he has given,
and as generously as your hand has found.
[11] For the Lord is the one who repays,
and he will repay you sevenfold.
[12] Do not offer him a bribe, for he will not accept it;
and do not trust to an unrighteous sacrifice;
for the Lord is the judge,
and with him is no partiality.
[13] He will not show partiality in the case of a poor man;
and he will listen to the prayer of one who is wronged.
[14] He will not ignore the supplication of the fatherless,
nor the widow when she pours out her story.
[15] Do not the tears of the widow run down her cheek
as she cries out against him who has caused them to fall?
[16] He whose service is pleasing to the Lord will be accepted,
and his prayer will reach to the clouds.
[17] The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds,
and he will not be consoled until it reaches the Lord;
he will not desist until the Most High visits him,
and does justice for the righteous, and executes judgment.
[18] And the Lord will not delay,
neither will he be patient with them,
till he crushes the loins of the unmerciful
and repays vengeance on the nations;
till he takes away the multitude of the insolent,
and breaks the scepters of the unrighteous;
[19] till he repays the man according to his deeds,
and the works of men according to their devices;
till he judges the case of his people
and makes them rejoice in his mercy.
[20] Mercy is as welcome when he afflicts them
as clouds of rain in the time of drought.