Ben Sira 35:20-26

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.

26 His mercy is as welcome in time of distress as clouds of rain in time of drought.

Footnotes

• [a]. Heb: Gk [and with them]