Ben Sira 35:15-25

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 The 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 for the righteous, and executes judgment. 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 scepters 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.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Heb: Gk [and with them]
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.