Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.
Break off thy sins by righteousness - as a galling yoke (Genesis 27:40). Sin is a heavy load, and all sinners are "heavy laden" (Matthew 11:28). The Septuagint and the Vulgate translate х pªruq (H6562)], not so well, 'redeem,' which is made an argument for Rome's doctrine of the expiation of sins by meritorious works. Even were we to translate it so, it can only mean, Repent, and show the reality of thy repentance by works of justice and charity (cf. Luke 11:41); so God will remit thy punishment. The trouble will be longer before it comes, or shorter when it does come. Compare the case of Hezekiah, to whom, on his humbling himself under the threatened judgment, God said, Isaiah 38:1-5; Nineveh, Jonah 3:5-10; Jeremiah 18:7-8. The change is not in God, but in the sinner who repents. As the king had provoked God's judgments by sin, so he might avert it by a return to righteousness.
And thine iniquities by showing mercy to the poor - (cf. Psalms 41:1-2; Acts 8:22). Probably, like most Oriental despots, Nebuchadnezzar had oppressed the poor by forcing them to labour in his great public works without adequate remuneration.
If it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity - if haply thy present prosperity shall be prolonged.