Sirach – Chapter 35

Old Testament26 Verses

1He that keepeth the law, multiplieth offerings.

2It is a wholesome sacrifice to take heed to the commandments, and to depart from all iniquity.

3And to depart from injustice, is to offer a propitiatory sacrifice for injustices, and a begging of pardon for sins.

4He shall return thanks, that offereth fine flour: and he that doth mercy, offereth sacrifice.

5To depart from iniquity is that which pleaseth the Lord, and to depart from injustice, is an entreaty for sins.

6Thou shalt not appear empty in the sight of the Lord.

7For all these things are to be done because of the commandment of God.

8The oblation of the just maketh the altar fat, and is an odour of sweetness in the sight of the most High.

9The sacrifice of the just is acceptable, and the Lord will not forget the memorial thereof.

10Give glory to God with a good heart: and diminish not the firstfruits of thy hands.

11In every gift shew a cheerful countenance, and sanctify thy tithes with joy.

12Give to the most High according to what he hath given to thee, and with a good eye do according to the ability of thy hands:

13For the Lord maketh recompense, and will give thee seven times as much.

14Do not offer wicked gifts, for such he will not receive.

15And look not upon an unjust sacrifice, for the Lord is judge, and there is not with him respect of person.

16The Lord will not accept any person against a poor man, and he will hear the prayer of him that is wronged.

17He will not despise the prayers of the fatherless: nor the widow, when she poureth out her complaint.

18Do not the widow's tears run down the cheek, and her cry against him that causeth them to fall?

19For from the cheek they go up even to heaven, and the Lord that heareth will not be delighted with them.

20He that adoreth God with joy, shall be accepted, and his prayer shall approach even to the clouds.

21The prayer of him that humbleth himself, shall pierce the clouds: and till it come nigh he will not be comforted: and he will not depart till the most High behold.

22And the Lord will not be slack, but will judge for the just, and will do judgment: and the Almighty will not have patience with them, that he may crush their back:

23And he will repay vengeance to the Gentiles, till he have taken away the multitude of the proud, and broken the sceptres of the unjust,

24Till he have rendered to men according to their deeds: and according to the works of Adam, and according to his presumption,

25Till he have judged the cause of his people, and he shall delight the just with his mercy.

26The mercy of God is beautiful in the time of affliction, as a cloud of rain in the time of drought.

Reflection for Today

As you read Sirach Chapter 35, consider how God's Word speaks to your current situation. Every passage of Scripture has the power to transform our hearts and guide our lives when we approach it with an open mind and a prayerful spirit. The words you're reading today are not just ancient text—they are living and active, capable of speaking directly to your heart and circumstances. Take time to meditate on these verses and ask God to reveal His truth to you in a personal way. Remember that the same God who inspired these words is present with you now, ready to guide and comfort you through His Word.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings