Acceptable Offerings
Wisdom of Sirach 35, verse 1. The man who keeps the law will abound in offerings; He who heeds the commandments sacrifices a peace offering. Wisdom of Sirach 35, verse 2. He who returns a kindness offers fine wheat flour, And he who does alms sacrifices a praise offering. Wisdom of Sirach 35, verse 3. To forsake evil is pleasing to the Lord, And to forsake wrongdoing is atonement. Wisdom of Sirach 35, verse 4. Do not appear before the Lord empty-handed,, For all these offerings are made because of the commandment. Wisdom of Sirach 35, verse 5. A righteous offering anoints the altar, And its fragrance rises before the Most High. Wisdom of Sirach 35, verse 6. The sacrifice of a righteous man is acceptable, And its remembrance shall not be forgotten. Wisdom of Sirach 35, verse 7. Glorify the Lord with your generosity, And do not reduce the firstfruits of your hands. Wisdom of Sirach 35, verse 8. In every gift let your face be cheerful, And sanctify your tithe with gladness. Wisdom of Sirach 35, verse 9. Give to the Most High as He has given to you, And give to Him with generosity, according to your windfall. Wisdom of Sirach 35, verse 10. For the Lord is He who repays, And He will repay you sevenfold.
God's Justice and Mercy
Wisdom of Sirach 35, verse 11. Do not bribe Him, for He will not accept it; And do not offer an unrighteous sacrifice. Wisdom of Sirach 35, verse 12. For the Lord is the judge, And there is no partiality with Him. Wisdom of Sirach 35, verse 13. He will not show partiality to a poor man, But He will hear the petition of him who is wronged. Wisdom of Sirach 35, verse 14. He will not overlook the supplication of an orphan, Nor a widow when she pours out her story. Wisdom of Sirach 35, verse 15. Do not the tears of a widow run down her cheeks As she cries out against him who caused them? Wisdom of Sirach 35, verse 16. He whose service is pleasing to the Lord Will be accepted by Him, And his prayer will reach to the clouds. Wisdom of Sirach 35, verse 17. The prayer of a humble man passes through the clouds, And he will not be comforted until it reaches the Lord; Wisdom of Sirach 35, verse 18. And he will not withdraw it until the Most High visits him, Provides justice for the righteous, And executes judgment. Wisdom of Sirach 35, verse 19. So the Lord will not delay, Neither will He be slow to help them, Wisdom of Sirach 35, verse 20. Until He crushes the loins of the unmerciful And repays vengeance upon the nations, Wisdom of Sirach 35, verse 21. Until He destroys the multitude of the insolent And crushes the scepter of the unrighteous, Wisdom of Sirach 35, verse 22. Until He renders to a man according to his practices And the works of men according to their devices, Wisdom of Sirach 35, verse 23. Until He judges the cause of His people And brings them joy with His mercy. Wisdom of Sirach 35, verse 24. Mercy is beautiful in the time of His affliction, Like rain in the time of drought.