35:1
One who keeps the Law multiplies offerings; one who follows the commandments offers communion sacrifices.
35:2
Proof of gratitude is an offering of fine flour, almsgiving a sacrifice of praise.
35:3
To abandon wickedness is what pleases the Lord, to give up wrong-doing is an expiatory sacrifice.
35:4
Do not appear empty-handed in the Lord's presence; for all these things are due under the commandment.
35:5
The offering of the upright graces the altar, and its savour rises before the Most High.
35:6
The sacrifice of the upright is acceptable, its memorial will not be forgotten.
35:7
Honour the Lord with generosity, do not stint the first-fruits you bring.
35:8
Add a smiling face to all your gifts, and be cheerful as you dedicate your tithes.
35:9
Give to the Most High as he has given to you, as generously as your means can afford;
35:10
for the Lord is a good rewarder, he will reward you seven times over.
35:11
Do not try to bribe him with presents, he will not accept them, do not put your faith in wrongly motivated sacrifices;
35:12
for the Lord is a judge who is utterly impartial.
35:13
He never shows partiality to the detriment of the poor, he listens to the plea of the injured party.
35:14
He does not ignore the orphan's supplication, nor the widow's as she pours out her complaint.
35:15
Do the widow's tears not run down her cheeks, as she accuses the man who is the cause of them?
35:16
Whoever wholeheartedly serves God will be accepted, his petitions will carry to the clouds.
35:17
The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds: and until it does, he is not to be consoled,
35:18
nor will he desist until the Most High takes notice of him, acquits the upright and delivers judgement.
35:19
And the Lord will not be slow, nor will he be dilatory on their behalf,
35:20
until he has crushed the loins of the merciless and exacted vengeance on the nations,
35:21
until he has eliminated the hordes of the arrogant and broken the sceptres of the wicked,
35:22
until he has repaid all people as their deeds deserve and human actions as their intentions merit,
35:23
until he has judged the case of his people and made them rejoice in his mercy.
35:24
Mercy is welcome in time of trouble, like rain clouds in time of drought.
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