Anonymous (Septuagint) · a new plain-English translation from the original language
1| Whoever keeps the law multiplies offerings,
2| and whoever heeds the commandments is sacrificing a peace offering.
3| The one who returns a kindness offers fine flour,
4| and the one who gives alms is sacrificing a thank offering.
5| It is the Lord's good pleasure to turn away from wickedness, and to turn away from injustice is an atonement.
6| Do not appear before the face of the Lord empty-handed,
7| for all these things are done for the sake of the commandment.
8| The offering of a righteous man enriches the altar, and its fragrance rises before the Most High.
9| The sacrifice of a righteous man is acceptable, and its memorial will not be forgotten.
10| Glorify the Lord with a generous eye, and do not stint the firstfruits of your hands.
11| With every gift make your face cheerful, and with gladness consecrate your tithe.
12| Give to the Most High as he has given to you, and as generously as your hand has found.
13| For the Lord repays, and he will repay you sevenfold.
14| Do not offer a bribe, for he will not accept it,
15| and do not rely on an unjust sacrifice, since the Lord is the judge, and he shows no partiality toward anyone.
16| He will not show partiality against the poor, and he will listen to the plea of the wronged.
17| He will not disregard the supplication of the orphan, nor the widow when she pours out her complaint.
18| Do not the widow's tears run down her cheek,
19| and her outcry rise against the one who caused them to fall?
20| The one who serves God with good will shall be accepted, and his prayer will reach to the clouds.
21| The prayer of the humble pierces through the clouds, and until it draws near he is not consoled, nor will he rest until the Most High takes notice,
22| and judges justly and executes judgment. And the Lord will not delay, nor will he be patient with them, until he crushes the loins of the merciless,
23| and repays vengeance on the nations, until he removes the multitude of the insolent and shatters the scepters of the unjust,
24| until he repays each man according to his deeds, and the works of men according to their designs,
25| until he judges the cause of his people and gladdens them by his mercy.
26| Beautiful is mercy in the time of one's distress, like clouds of rain in a time of drought.