1 Whoever keeps the law multiplies offerings, and whoever heeds the commands offers a sacrifice of well-being. 2 Whoever repays a favor offers fine flour, and whoever performs acts of mercy offers a sacrifice of praise. 3 Turning away from wickedness pleases the Lord, and turning away from wrongdoing is atonement.
4 Do not appear before the Lord empty-handed. 5 All these things are done because of the command.
6 The offering of a righteous person enriches the altar, and its sweet fragrance rises before the Most High. 7 The sacrifice of a righteous person is acceptable, and its memorial will not be forgotten. 8 Glorify the Lord with a generous eye, and do not diminish the firstfruits of your hands. 9 Give every gift with a cheerful face, and make your tithe holy with gladness. 10 Give to the Most High according to what he has given you, and give generously from what your hands have gained. 11 The Lord repays, and he will repay you sevenfold.
12 Do not try to bribe him, for he will not accept it. Do not rely on an unrighteous sacrifice, for the Lord is judge and shows no partiality.
13 He will not show partiality against a poor person, but he will hear the plea of someone who has been wronged.
14 He will not overlook an orphan’s plea or a widow when she pours out her complaint.
15 Do not a widow’s tears run down her cheeks, and does she not cry out against the one who caused them to fall?
16 Whoever serves in a way that pleases the Lord will be accepted, and his prayer will reach the clouds.
17 The humble person’s prayer passes through the clouds. He will not be comforted until it draws near, and he will not stop until the Most High looks upon him, judges in favor of the righteous, and carries out judgment.
18 The Lord will not delay or remain patient with the merciless until he crushes their strength, repays vengeance to the nations, removes the multitude of the arrogant, and breaks the scepters of the unrighteous.
19 He will repay each person according to his actions and people’s deeds according to their intentions. He will judge his people’s case and make them rejoice in his mercy.
20 Mercy is welcome in a time of affliction, like rain clouds in a time of drought.