Ecclesiasticus 35

1He that keepeth the law, multiplieth offerings.● 2It is a wholesome sacrifice to take heed to the commandments, and to depart from all iniquity.● 3And to depart from injustice, is to offer a propitiatory sacrifice for injustices, and a begging of pardon for sins.● 4He shall return thanks, that offereth fine flour: and he that doth mercy, offereth sacrifice.● 5To depart from iniquity is that which pleaseth the Lord, and to depart from injustice, is an entreaty for sins.● 6Thou shalt not appear empty in the sight of the Lord.● 7For all these things are to be done because of the commandment of God.● 8The oblation of the just maketh the altar fat, and is an odour of sweetness in the sight of the most High.● 9The sacrifice of the just is acceptable, and the Lord will not forget the memorial thereof.● 10Give glory to God with a good heart: and diminish not the firstfruits of thy hands.● 11In every gift shew a cheerful countenance, and sanctify thy tithes with joy.● 12Give 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:● 13For the Lord maketh recompense, and will give thee seven times as much.● 14Do not offer wicked gifts, for such he will not receive.● 15And look not upon an unjust sacrifice, for the Lord is judge, and there is not with him respect of person.● 16The Lord will not accept any person against a poor man, and he will hear the prayer of him that is wronged.● 17He will not despise the prayers of the fatherless: nor the widow, when she poureth out her complaint.● 18Do not the widow's tears run down the cheek, and her cry against him that causeth them to fall?● 19For from the cheek they go up even to heaven, and the Lord that heareth will not be delighted with them.● 20He that adoreth God with joy, shall be accepted, and his prayer shall approach even to the clouds.● 21The 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.● 22And 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:● 23And he will repay vengeance to the Gentiles, till he have taken away the multitude of the proud, and broken the sceptres of the unjust,● 24Till he have rendered to men according to their deeds: and according to the works of Adam, and according to his presumption,● 25Till he have judged the cause of his people, and he shall delight the just with his mercy.● 26The mercy of God is beautiful in the time of affliction, as a cloud of rain in the time of drought.●