Ben Sira 35:1-12
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
Chapter 35[a]
1 To keep the law is to make many offerings;(A)
2 whoever observes the commandments sacrifices a peace offering.
3 By works of charity one offers fine flour,[b]
4 and one who gives alms presents a sacrifice of praise.
5 To refrain from evil pleases the Lord,
and to avoid injustice is atonement.
6 Do not appear before the Lord empty-handed,
7 for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the precepts.(B)
8 The offering of the just enriches the altar:
a sweet odor before the Most High.
9 The sacrifice of the just is accepted,
never to be forgotten.
10 With a generous spirit pay homage to the Lord,
and do not spare your freewill gifts.(C)
11 With each contribution show a cheerful countenance,
and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy.(D)
12 Give to the Most High as he has given to you,
generously, according to your means.
Footnotes
- 35:1–26 Keeping the commandments of the law and avoiding injustice constitute sacrifice pleasing and acceptable to God (vv. 1–5). Offerings also should be made to him, cheerfully and generously; these he repays sevenfold (vv. 6–13). Extortion from widows and orphans is injustice, and God will hear their cries (vv. 14–22a). Punishing the proud and the merciless and coming to the aid of the distressed, he requites everyone according to their deeds (vv. 22b–26).
- 35:3 Fine flour, together with oil and frankincense, was a prescribed offering to God; cf. Lv 2:1–3.
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