Sirach (Ecclesiasticus)

9In all thy works (H) shew a bright countenance; And dedicate thy tithe with gladness.

10Give to God (?) according as he hath given to thee; With goodness of eye, and as thy hand hath found (?).

11For he is a God that recompenseth; And sevenfold will he return unto thee. He that giveth to the poor lendeth to the Lord; And who is a rewarder but he (M S)?

12Bribe (S Hesitate) not, for he will not receive; And trust not upon a sacrifice of oppression. For he is a God of judgement; And with him is no respect of persons.

13He will not shew favour toward the poor; And he will hear the supplication of the afflicted.

14He will not reject the cry of the fatherless; And of the widow, when she maketh much complaint (H).

15Do not tears run down the cheek? Doth she not sigh because of her miseries?

16Bitterness that is well-pleasing (H) is her lamentation (?): Her (G His) cry hasteth to the clouds.

17The crying of the poor passeth through thick clouds (M); And resteth not until it come nigh. It will not remove till God shall visit; And till he that judgeth righteously shall do judgement.

18Yea, and God will not tarry; And as a mighty man he will not refrain himself: Till he smite the loins of the unmerciful; And repay vengeance to the heathen: Till he dispossess the sceptre of pride; And quite cut down the rod of the wicked:

19Till he render to a man his due; And a man's recompense according to his devising: Till he plead (?) the cause of his people; And make them joyful (M) with his salvation.

20Mercy from the Lord in time (?) of affliction Is as cloud (?) of rains in season of drought.