The Law and Sacrifices

1One who keeps the law makes many offerings;

2one who heeds the commandments makes an offering of well-being.

3One who returns a kindness offers choice flour,

4and one who gives alms sacrifices a thank-offering.

5To keep from wickedness is pleasing to the Lord,

and to forsake unrighteousness is an atonement.

6Do not appear before the Lord empty-handed,

7for all that you offer is in fulfilment of the commandment.

8The offering of the righteous enriches the altar,

and its pleasing odour rises before the Most High.

9The sacrifice of the righteous is acceptable,

and it will never be forgotten.

10Be generous when you worship the Lord,

and do not stint the first fruits of your hands.

11With every gift show a cheerful face,

and dedicate your tithe with gladness.

12Give to the Most High as he has given to you,

and as generously as you can afford.

13For the Lord is the one who repays,

and he will repay you sevenfold.

Divine Justice

14Do not offer him a bribe, for he will not accept it;

15and do not rely on a dishonest sacrifice;

for the Lord is the judge,

and with him there is no partiality.

16He will not show partiality to the poor;

but he will listen to the prayer of one who is wronged.

17He will not ignore the supplication of the orphan,

or the widow when she pours out her complaint.

18Do not the tears of the widow run down her cheek

19as she cries out against the one who causes them to fall?

20One whose service is pleasing to the Lord will be accepted,

and his prayer will reach to the clouds.

21The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds,

and it will not rest until it reaches its goal;

it will not desist until the Most High responds

22and does justice to the righteous, and executes judgement.

Indeed, the Lord will not delay,

and like a warrior35.22 Heb: Gk and with them will not be patient

until he crushes the loins of the unmerciful

23and repays vengeance on the nations;

until he destroys the multitude of the insolent,

and breaks the sceptres of the unrighteous;

24until he repays mortals according to their deeds,

and the works of all according to their thoughts;

25until he judges the case of his people

and makes them rejoice in his mercy.

26His mercy is as welcome in time of distress

as clouds of rain in time of drought.