1
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.
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.
16
God will not be partial to the poor, but he will listen to the complaint of those who are wronged.
17
God will never ignore an orphan's plea, nor that of a widow when she pours out a complaint.
18
Don't a widow's tears fall down on her cheek,
19
and isn't her plea against the one who caused her tears?
20
Those who serve with goodwill will be accepted, and their prayer will reach to the clouds.
21
The prayer of the humble passes through the clouds, and it will never stop until it draws near to God. It will never withdraw until the Most High takes notice,
22
gives justice for the righteous, and executes judgment. Indeed, the Lord will never delay, nor will he be patient with them until he crushes the power of the unmerciful,
23
until he exacts vengeance on the nations, until he removes the multitude of abusive people and shatters the authority of the unrighteous,
24
until he repays individuals according to their deeds and the works of human beings according to their thoughts,
25
until he decides the case of his people and makes them glad by his mercy.
26
His mercy is timely in a period of distress, like rain clouds in a dry season.