Ben Sira 34:17-27

17 Happy is the soul that fears the Lord!
18 To whom does he look? And who is his support?
19 The eyes of the Lord are on those who love him, a mighty shield and strong support, a shelter from scorching wind and a shade from noonday sun, a guard against stumbling and a help against falling.
20 He lifts up the soul and makes the eyes sparkle; he gives health and life and blessing.
21 If one sacrifices ill-gotten goods, the offering is blemished;
22 the gifts of the lawless are not acceptable.
23 The Most High is not pleased with the offerings of the ungodly, nor for a multitude of sacrifices does he forgive sins.
24 Like one who kills a son before his father's eyes is the person who offers a sacrifice from the property of the poor.
25 The bread of the needy is the life of the poor; whoever deprives them of it is a murderer.
26 To take away a neighbor's living is to commit murder;
27 to deprive an employee of wages is to shed blood.

Footnotes 2

  • [a]. Other ancient authorities read [is made in mockery]
  • [b]. Other ancient authorities read [mockeries]
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.