Bribery is an issue of integrity and justice, and the Bible has clear teachings on the subject. Throughout scripture, bribery is condemned because it distorts justice and undermines fairness. But what does this mean for believers today in a world where corruption can often go unnoticed? Discover how the Bible’s stance on bribery can guide us in pursuing justice and honesty.
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What Does The Bible Say About Bribery
Proverbs 17:23
“A wicked person accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the course of justice.”
This verse highlights the sinful nature of bribery and its impact on the integrity of justice systems. It emphasizes that accepting bribes to pervert justice is an act of wickedness that goes against God’s principles of righteousness.
Bribery involves offering or receiving gifts or money in exchange for personal favors, and it distorts fairness and impartiality. God desires justice to prevail and every individual to be treated equitably, without the influence of bribes.
Proverbs 29:4
“By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of justice in maintaining stability within a nation. It warns against the detrimental effects that bribery can have on the leadership and governance of a country.
A king who administers justice without partiality and resists greed for bribes contributes to the stability and well-being of the nation. Conversely, leaders who succumb to bribery undermine the trust of the people and weaken the foundations of society.
Ecclesiastes 7:7
“Extortion turns a wise person into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart.”
This verse highlights the corrupting influence of bribery and extortion on individuals. It cautions against the destructive consequences that these practices can have on the character and wisdom of a person.
Bribery and extortion lead individuals away from wisdom and integrity, as they prioritize personal gain over moral principles. By engaging in such practices, individuals compromise their values and allow greed and dishonesty to corrupt their hearts.
Isaiah 5:23
“Woe to those who acquit the guilty for a bribe, but deny justice to the innocent.”
This verse describes the condemnation for those who pervert justice by accepting bribes to acquit the guilty while denying justice to the innocent. It points out the injustice and moral corruption that is brought about by bribery.
God expects those in positions of authority to uphold justice and righteousness, showing no favoritism or bias. Accepting bribes and denying justice to innocent individuals goes against God’s principles of fairness and equality.
Proverbs 15:27
“The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live.”
This verse emphasizes the destructive consequences that come with greed and bribery. It warns against the detrimental effects that these practices can have on an individual’s household and overall well-being.
Those who are driven by greed and engage in bribery jeopardize the peace and stability of their families. On the other hand, those who reject bribes and embrace integrity will experience a life that is filled with God’s blessings.
Exodus 23:8
“Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the innocent.”
This verse provides a clear instruction to not accept bribes, as they have the power to blind the judgment of those who should uphold justice. It acknowledges the corrupting influence that bribes can have on people’s ability to discern truth and protect the innocent.
God desires His people to be truthful and just, guarding against any form of corruption or compromise. By refusing to accept bribes, individuals maintain their integrity and impartiality in their pursuit of justice.
Proverbs 21:14
“A gift given in secret soothes anger, and a bribe concealed in the cloak pacifies great wrath.”
This verse exposes the deceptive nature of bribery and how it can manipulate emotions and outcomes. It reveals the tendency for bribes to be used as a tool to calm anger and appease those in powerful positions.
However, even if a bribe may temporarily pacify wrath, it remains an act of injustice and corruption. God calls His people to seek genuine reconciliation and resolution, rooted in truth and righteousness, rather than resorting to bribery to avoid consequences.
Proverbs 28:21
“To show partiality is not good—yet a person will do wrong for a piece of bread.”
This verse emphasizes the danger of showing favoritism and acting unjustly for personal gain. It reveals how some individuals are willing to compromise their moral principles and engage in bribery for even the slightest material reward.
God desires His people to act with impartiality, treating all individuals fairly and equally. Engaging in bribery for personal gain diminishes the integrity and righteousness that God expects from His children.
Psalm 15:5
“Whoever does these things will never be shaken.”
This verse highlights the security and stability that comes with living a life free from bribery and corruption. Those who uphold justice, refuse bribes, and walk in integrity will find their lives anchored in God’s steadfastness and protection.
When individuals prioritize righteousness and refuse to compromise their values, they can experience unwavering peace and confidence, knowing that they are on the path of God’s blessings.
Deuteronomy 27:25
“Cursed is anyone who accepts a bribe to kill an innocent person.”
This verse denounces the wickedness of accepting a bribe to commit murder, particularly targeting innocent individuals. It pronounces a curse upon those who engage in such heinous acts, highlighting God’s abhorrence of injustice and the shedding of innocent blood.
God values every human life and expects His people to treat it with reverence and respect. Engaging in bribery to perpetrate violence goes against God’s commandments and carries severe consequences.
Proverbs 28:16
“A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor, but one who hates unjust gain prolongs his life.”
This verse draws attention to the negative impact of bribery on leadership. It explains that rulers who lack wisdom and understanding tend to oppress their people and exercise cruelty, often driven by their desire for unjust gain.
On the contrary, leaders who reject bribery and condemn unjust gain exhibit wisdom and integrity. By doing so, they bring about stability, fairness, and longevity to their leadership.
Proverbs 17:8
“A bribe is seen as a charm by the one who gives it; they think success will come at every turn.”
This verse exposes the misguided belief of those who offer bribes, seeing them as a magical charm that guarantees success in every situation. It reveals the false hope and misplaced trust that individuals put in bribery.
However, relying on bribery to achieve success is a fallacy. Genuine success comes from God, rooted in diligence, talent, and integrity. Trusting in God’s providence rather than resorting to bribery leads to true and lasting success.
Proverbs 29:15
“A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of discipline and correction in a person’s life. It points out that neglecting to discipline a child can lead to disgrace and dishonor for their parents.
In the context of bribery, this verse highlights the significance of teaching and instilling moral values in children from a young age. By doing so, we equip them to resist the allure of bribery and walk in righteousness throughout their lives.
Proverbs 21:14
“A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.”
This verse exposes the temporary nature of wealth obtained through dishonest means, such as bribery. It emphasizes that riches acquired through deceitful practices are fleeting and carry lethal consequences.
God calls His people to pursue honest gain and righteous stewardship of resources. Trusting in God’s provision and exercising integrity in our pursuits ensures enduring blessings that transcend material wealth.
Proverbs 17:23
“The wicked accept bribes in secret to pervert the course of justice.”
This verse sheds light on the corrupt nature of bribery and its ability to distort the path of justice. It portrays the sinfulness of accepting bribes, which deviates from God’s righteous principles of justice.
Bribery perverts the intended outcome of legal proceedings, favoring those who can offer financial incentives rather than considering the truth and fairness of a case. It is a practice that goes against God’s desire for justice and equity for all.
Proverbs 28:21
“To show partiality is not good, yet a person will do wrong for a piece of bread.”
This verse highlights the temptation individuals face to show favoritism and engage in bribery for personal gain, even if it involves wrongdoing. It emphasizes that the pursuit of temporary material gain can lead people astray from God’s commandments.
God calls His people to act with impartiality and refuse to exploit their positions to benefit themselves unjustly. The love of money should never take precedence over righteousness and adherence to God’s moral standards.
Isaiah 33:15
“He who walks righteously and speaks what is right, who rejects gain from extortion and keeps his hand from accepting bribes.”
This verse describes the characteristics of an individual who lives in righteousness. It stresses the importance of integrity and a refusal to profit from dishonest means, including bribery and extortion.
Walking in righteousness involves not only speaking truth but also rejecting any form of gain that comes at the expense of others. By maintaining integrity in our actions and decisions, we become a reflection of God’s righteousness in the world.
Proverbs 6:35
“He will not accept any compensation; he will refuse a bribe, however great it is.”
This verse highlights the unyielding stance of those who walk in righteousness and refuse to accept bribes, regardless of the magnitude of the offer. It emphasizes the importance of unwavering commitment to integrity and refusing to compromise for personal gain.
God’s people are called to be honest and just, not allowing themselves to be swayed by bribes that aim to corrupt and influence moral decisions. Absolute adherence to God’s principles ensures the preservation of justice and righteousness.
Proverbs 22:16
“One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.”
This verse exposes the consequences that come with both oppressing the poor for personal gain and offering gifts or bribes to the rich. It implies that both acts lead to the eventual downfall and loss of prosperity.
God calls His people to advocate for the poor and treat everyone with fairness and equality. Engaging in bribery or exploiting those in vulnerable situations not only goes against God’s heart for justice but also carries eventual consequences.
Deuteronomy 16:19
“Do not pervert justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the innocent.”
This verse gives a clear command to maintain justice and impartiality, rejecting any form of bribery. It highlights the damaging effects that bribes can have on the discernment of wise individuals, blinding them to the truth and distorting the words of the innocent.
God desires His people to approach justice with fairness and integrity, refusing to be swayed by personal gain or external influences. By doing so, they uphold the principles of truth and righteousness.
Psalm 26:10
“I will not sit with the deceitful, nor will I associate with hypocrites.”
This verse expresses the determination of the psalmist to distance themselves from those who engage in deceitfulness and hypocrisy. It reflects the commitment to maintain personal integrity in the face of bribery or any form of dishonesty.
God’s people are called to associate with those who exhibit righteousness and truth, avoiding the corruption and negative influence of those who resort to bribery and deceit. By doing so, they set an example of steadfast faithfulness to God’s moral standards.
Isaiah 33:15-16
“He who walks righteously and speaks what is right, who rejects gain from extortion and keeps his hand from accepting bribes, who stops his ears against plots of murder and shuts his eyes against contemplating evil—” “this is the man who will dwell on the heights, whose refuge will be the mountain fortress. His bread will be supplied, and water will not fail him.”
These verses describe the blessings and security that come with walking in righteousness and refusing to engage in bribery or other forms of corruption. They highlight the rewards of living a life of integrity and abiding by God’s moral laws.
By choosing righteousness over illicit gain, individuals find their place of safety and provision in God. He becomes their refuge and sustainer, guiding them in their decisions and protecting them from the snares of bribery and other forms of corruption.
Proverbs 15:27
“The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live.”
This verse underscores the destructive nature of greed and how it can lead to the downfall of families. It contrasts the fate of the greedy, who bring ruin upon their households, with those who reject bribes and choose to live a life of integrity.
God calls His people to exercise contentment and resist the temptation to acquire wealth through dishonest means. By embracing righteousness and rejecting bribery, individuals ensure the well-being and preservation of their households.
Isaiah 1:23
“Your rulers are rebels, partners with thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the cause of the fatherless; the widow’s case does not come before them.”
This verse exposes the corrupt behavior of rulers who prioritize personal gain through bribery and gifts, neglecting their duties to protect the vulnerable in society. It condemns their lack of justice and compassion.
God expects those in positions of authority to act with integrity and fairness, carrying out their duties without bias or personal gain. Rulers who engage in bribery and neglect the needs of the fatherless and widows will face the consequences of their actions.
Micah 3:11
“Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets tell fortunes for money. Yet they look for the Lord’s support and say, ‘Is not the Lord among us? No disaster will come upon us.’
This verse exposes the corrupt religious leaders who engage in bribery, teaching and prophesying for personal gain. It reveals their hypocrisy and false reliance on God, despite their willingness to compromise their integrity.
God desires His leaders to exhibit righteousness, teaching and guiding His people without ulterior motives. Engaging in bribery undermines their credibility and misrepresents the true nature of God’s kingdom.