Worship and Obedience

1 He who keeps the law multiplies offerings. 2 He who obeys the commandments sacrifices a peace offering. 3 He who returns a kindness offers fine flour. 4 He who gives to the poor sacrifices a thank offering. 5 To turn away from wickedness pleases the Lord. To turn away from wrongdoing is an atoning sacrifice. 6 See that you don’t appear in the presence of the Lord empty-handed. 7 For all these things are done because of the commandment.

8 The offering of the righteous enriches the altar. The sweet fragrance of it is before the Most High. 9 The sacrifice of a righteous man is acceptable. It won’t be forgotten. 10 Glorify the Lord with generosity. Don’t reduce the first fruits of your hands. 11 In every gift show a cheerful face, and dedicate your tithe with gladness.⁠a 12 Give to the Most High just as he has given. As your hand has found, give generously. 13 For the Lord repays, and he will repay you seven times over.

God’s Impartial Justice

14 Don’t plan to bribe him with gifts, for he will not receive them. 15 Don’t set your mind on an unrighteous sacrifice, for the Lord is the judge, and he shows no favoritism.⁠b 16 He won’t favor anyone against a poor man. He will listen to the prayer of him who is wronged.

17 He will in no way despise the plea of the fatherless or the widow, when she pours out her tale.⁠c 18 Don’t the tears of the widow run down her cheek? 19 Isn’t her cry against him who has caused them to fall? 20 He who serves God according to his good pleasure will be accepted. His plea will reach to the clouds.

21 The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds. Until it comes near, he will not be comforted. He won’t depart until the Most High visits and he judges righteously and executes judgment.⁠d 22 And the Lord will not be slow, nor will he be patient toward them, until he has crushed the backs of the unmerciful.⁠e 23 He will take vengeance on the nations until he has taken away the great number of arrogant people and broken in pieces the scepters of the unrighteous, 24 until he has repaid every man according to his deeds, and repaid the works of men according to their plans, 25 until he has judged the case of his people, and he will make them glad in his mercy. 26 Mercy is as welcome in the time of his distress as clouds of rain in the time of drought.