Sirach 35:1-15

Common English Bible

35 Whoever keeps the Law
gives many offerings;
²     whoever obeys the commandments
    makes a sacrifice of well-being.
³ Whoever repays a kindness
offers the finest flour,
⁴     and whoever does an act of charity
    makes a sacrifice of praise.
⁵ Staying away from wickedness
pleases the Lord,
    and keeping away from injustice
    means reconciliation.
⁶ Don’t come into the Lord’s presence
empty-handed,
⁷     since fulfilling the commandments
    means making offerings.
⁸ The righteous person’s offering
enriches the altar,
    and its pleasing odor comes
    before the Most High.
⁹ A righteous person’s offering
is acceptable,
    and its memory will last forever.
¹⁰ Honor the Lord generously,
    and don’t skimp
    on the early produce you present.^[a]
11 Every time you give, have a cheerful face,
    and dedicate your tithe gladly.
¹² Give to the Most High as he has given,
    and give with generosity
    from what you have,
¹³     because the Lord is the one who repays,
    and he will repay you seven times over.

¹⁴ Don’t offer a bribe,
because the Lord won’t accept it.
¹⁵     Don’t present an unrighteous sacrifice,
    because the Lord is a judge,
    and he shows no partiality.