What does Ecclesiasticus Chapter 35 say, and which statements belong to its speaker?

Atlas of Saints · Chapter summary

The chapter’s wording is retained in order with explicit attribution. Edition headings and annotations remain distinct from the chapter’s speech. Requests, comparisons and warnings are preserved without invented outcomes.

Chapter breakdown

Ecclesiasticus 35 compares keeping law, departing from injustice, giving thanks and showing mercy with acceptable offerings. The just person's offering and memorial are praised. Firstfruits and tithes should be given cheerfully according to divine gifts and one's ability. The sevenfold repayment belongs to the speaker's promise; it is not an independently proven return on expenditure. Unjust offerings are rejected.

God's justice does not favor a person against the poor, neglect the wronged, orphan or widow, or delight in widow tears. Worship and humble prayer are described as reaching the clouds: the humble remains until drawing near and beholding. The Lord's judgment is then portrayed against proud gentiles and princes, rewarding deeds, including Adam's works and presumption, and showing mercy to his people like rain in drought. This sequence does not guarantee immediate judicial relief whenever someone cries.

The story inside

Opening: The chapter’s wording is retained in order with explicit attribution. Development: Edition headings and annotations remain distinct from the chapter’s speech. Conclusion: Requests, comparisons and warnings are preserved without invented outcomes.

Lessons worth keeping

1
The chapter’s wording is retained in order with explicit attribution.
2
Edition headings and annotations remain distinct from the chapter’s speech.
3
Requests, comparisons and warnings are preserved without invented outcomes.

Test your recall

Which images and requests does the speaker use, and what does the chapter leave unresolved?

Source edition and notes

Douay–Rheims, revised by Richard Challoner (1749–1752). Project Gutenberg no. 1581. Locators refer to lines in the admitted pg1581.txt edition. Source notes may include Challoner commentary.

Lines 76785–76791
35:1. He that keepeth the law, multiplieth offerings. 35:2. It is a wholesome sacrifice to take heed to the commandments, and to depart from all iniquity. 35:3. And to depart from injustice, is to offer a propitiatory sacrifice for injustices, and a begging of pardon for sins.
Lines 76816–76820
35:12. Give 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: 35:13. For the Lord maketh recompense, and will give thee seven times as much.
Lines 76842–76844
35:21. The 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.