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The Law and Sacrifices

35One who keeps the law makes many offerings;
²   one who heeds the commandments makes an offering of well-being.
³ One who returns a kindness offers choice flour,
⁴   and one who gives alms sacrifices a thank-offering.
⁵ To keep from wickedness is pleasing to the Lord,
   and to forsake unrighteousness is an atonement.
⁶ Do not appear before the Lord empty-handed,
⁷   for all that you offer is in fulfilment of the commandment.
⁸ The offering of the righteous enriches the altar,
   and its pleasing odour rises before the Most High.
⁹ The sacrifice of the righteous is acceptable,
   and it will never be forgotten.
¹⁰ Be generous when you worship the Lord,
   and do not stint the first fruits of your hands.
¹¹ With every gift show a cheerful face,
   and dedicate your tithe with gladness.
¹² Give to the Most High as he has given to you,
   and as generously as you can afford.
¹³ For the Lord is the one who repays,
   and he will repay you sevenfold.

Divine Justice

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.
¹⁶ He will not show partiality to the poor;
   but he will listen to the prayer of one who is wronged.
¹⁷ He will not ignore the supplication of the orphan,
   or the widow when she pours out her complaint.
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?
²⁰ One whose service is pleasing to the Lord will be accepted,
   and his prayer will reach to the clouds.
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
²²   and does justice to the righteous, and executes judgement.
Indeed, the Lord will not delay,
   and like a warrior^* will not be patient
until he crushes the loins of the unmerciful
²³   and repays vengeance on the nations;
until he destroys the multitude of the insolent,
   and breaks the sceptres of the unrighteous;
²⁴ until he repays mortals according to their deeds,
   and the works of all according to their thoughts;
²⁵ until he judges the case of his people
   and makes them rejoice in his mercy.
²⁶ His mercy is as welcome in time of distress
   as clouds of rain in time of drought.