Ecclesiasticus
Chapter 35
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35:1 He that keepeth the law, multiplieth offerings.
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35:2 It is a wholesome sacrifice to take heed to the commandments, and to depart from all iniquity.
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35:3 And to depart from injustice, is to offer a propitiatory sacrifice for injustices, and a begging of pardon for sins.
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35:4 He shall return thanks, that offereth fine flour: and he that doth mercy, offereth sacrifice.
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35:5 To depart from iniquity is that which pleaseth the Lord, and to depart from injustice, is an entreaty for sins.
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35:6 Thou shalt not appear empty in the sight of the Lord.
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35:7 For all these things are to be done because of the commandment of God.
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35:8 The oblation of the just maketh the altar fat, and is an odour of sweetness in the sight of the most High.
35:9 The sacrifice of the just is acceptable, and the Lord will not forget the memorial thereof.
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35:10 Give glory to God with a good heart: and diminish not the firstfruits of thy hands.
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35:11 In every gift shew a cheerful countenance, and sanctify thy tithes with joy.
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35:12 Give to the most High according to what he hath given to thee, and with a good eye do according to the ability of thy hands:
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35:13 For the Lord maketh recompense, and will give thee seven times as much.
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35:14 Do not offer wicked gifts, for such he will not receive.
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35:15 And look not upon an unjust sacrifice, for the Lord is judge, and there is not with him respect of person.
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35:16 The Lord will not accept any person against a poor man, and he will hear the prayer of him that is wronged.
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35:17 He will not despise the prayers of the fatherless: nor the widow, when she poureth out her complaint.
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35:18 Do not the widow's tears run down the cheek, and her cry against him that causeth them to fall?
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35:19 For from the cheek they go up even to heaven, and the Lord that heareth will not be delighted with them.
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35:20 He that adoreth God with joy, shall be accepted, and his prayer shall approach even to the clouds.
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35:21 The prayer of him that humbleth himself, shall pierce the clouds: and till it come nigh he will not be comforted: and he will not depart till the most High behold.
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35:22 And the Lord will not be slack, but will judge for the just, and will do judgment: and the Almighty will not have patience with them, that he may crush their back:
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35:23 And he will repay vengeance to the Gentiles, till he have taken away the multitude of the proud, and broken the sceptres of the unjust,
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35:24 Till he have rendered to men according to their deeds: and according to the works of Adam, and according to his presumption,
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35:25 Till he have judged the cause of his people, and he shall delight the just with his mercy.
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35:26 The mercy of God is beautiful in the time of affliction, as a cloud of rain in the time of drought.
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