Ecclus. 35:1-17 Sir 35:1 The one who keeps the law makes many offerings; {2}one who heeds the commandments makes an offering of well-being. 2 {3}The one who returns a kindness offers choice flour, {4}and one who gives alms sacrifices a thank offering. 3 {5}To keep from wickedness is pleasing to the Lord, and to forsake unrighteousness is an atonement. 4 {6}Do not appear before the Lord empty-handed, 5 {7}for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the commandment. 6 {8}The offering of the righteous enriches the altar, and its pleasing odor rises before the Most High. 7 {9}The sacrifice of the righteous is acceptable, and it will never be forgotten. 8 {10}Be generous when you worship the Lord, and do not stint the first fruits of your hands. 9 {11}With every gift show a cheerful face, and dedicate your tithe with gladness. 10 {12}Give to the Most High as he has given to you, and as generously as you can afford. 11 {13}For the Lord is the one who repays, and he will repay you sevenfold. 12 {14}Do not offer him a bribe, for he will not accept it; {15}and do not rely on a dishonest sacrifice; for the Lord is the judge, and with him there is no partiality. 13 {16}He will not show partiality to the poor; but he will listen to the prayer of one who is wronged. 14 {17}He will not ignore the supplication of the orphan, or the widow when she pours out her complaint. 15 {18}Do not the tears of the widow run down her cheek {19}as she cries out against the one who causes them to fall? 16 {20}The one whose service is pleasing to the Lord will be accepted, and his prayer will reach to the clouds. 17 {21}The 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. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.