WISDOM 35

1 He who guards the Law brings offerings enough;
He who guards the Command offers a peace offering.

2 He who repays a good deed offers fine flour;
And he who gives in kindness offers praise.

3 To depart from wickedness is pleasing to 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄;
And to forsake unrighteousness is an atonement.

4 You shall not appear empty-handed before 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄.

5 For all these are because of the Command.

6 The offering of the righteous makes the altar fat,
And its sweet savour is before the Most High.

7 The offering of a righteous man is acceptable.
And the remembrance of it shall never be forgotten.

8 Give 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 His esteem with a good eye,
And do not diminish the first-fruits of your hands.

9 In all your gifts show a cheerful face,
And dedicate your tithes with gladness.

10 Give to the Most High according to His enrichment unto you;
And as you have received, give with a cheerful eye.

11 For 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 repays,
And shall give you seven times as much.

12 Do not think to corrupt with gifts; for He does not accept these:
And do not trust in unrighteous offerings;
For 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 is Judge, and with Him is no partiality.

13 He shows no partiality against the poor,
But shall hear the prayer of the oppressed.

14 He shall not despise the prayer of the fatherless;
Nor the widow, when she pours out her complaint.

15 Do not the tears run down the widow’s cheeks?
And is not her cry against he who causes them to fall?

16 He who 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 serves shall be accepted with favour,
And his prayer reaches to the clouds.

17 The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds;
And he shall not be comforted till it comes near;
And shall not depart,till the Most High executes right-ruling and judgment.

18 For 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 does not delay, nor is the Almighty patient toward them,
Till He has crushed the loins of the ruthless,
And repayed vengeance upon the gentiles;
Till He has taken away the crowd of the proud,
And broken the sceptre of the unrighteous;

19 Till He has given to everyone according to their deeds,
And to the works of men according to their schemes;
Till He has judged the cause of His people,
And caused them to rejoice in His kindness.

20 Favour is welcomed in the time of affliction,
As clouds of rain in the time of drought.