Ben Sira 35:14-22
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
14 But offer no bribes; these he does not accept!
15 Do not trust in sacrifice of the fruits of extortion,(A)
For he is a God of justice,
who shows no partiality.(B)
16 He shows no partiality to the weak
but hears the grievance of the oppressed.[a]
17 He does not forsake the cry of the orphan,(C)
nor the widow when she pours out her complaint.
18 Do not the tears that stream down her cheek
19 cry out against the one that causes them to fall?
20 Those who serve God to please him are accepted;
their petition reaches the clouds.
21 The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds;
it does not rest till it reaches its goal;
Nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds,
22 judges justly and affirms the right.(D)
God indeed will not delay,
and like a warrior, will not be still(E)
Till he breaks the backs of the merciless
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