Biblical examples against bribery?
What other biblical examples show God's disapproval of bribery and corruption?

Felix’s Greed: A Starting Point

“​At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and conversed with him.” – Acts 24:26

Felix’s corrupt desire frames the study: God never overlooks bribery.


Early Legal Prohibitions

Exodus 23:8 – “You shall not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous.”

Deuteronomy 16:19 – “Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous.”

The Law sets a clear, timeless boundary: bribery distorts justice and offends the Lord.


Historical Narratives that Went Wrong

1 Samuel 8:3 – Israel’s elders reject Samuel’s sons because they “turned aside toward dishonest gain, accepted bribes, and perverted justice.” Leadership lost credibility and the nation clamored for a king.

2 Kings 5:26-27 – Gehazi secretly takes gifts from Naaman; Elisha confronts him, and “the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and your descendants forever.” Corruption brings lasting consequences.

1 Kings 21 (summary) – Jezebel engineers Naboth’s death through false witnesses; Ahab gains the vineyard, but God pronounces judgment on their house. Bribed testimony costs innocent blood.


Wisdom Literature on Integrity

Proverbs 17:23 – “A wicked man accepts a bribe in secret to subvert the course of justice.”

Proverbs 15:27 – “He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household, but he who hates bribes will live.”

Psalm 26:10 – David refuses to sit “with wicked men, whose hands are full of bribes.”

Godly wisdom links love of bribery to family ruin and personal downfall.


Prophets Crying Out Against Corruption

Isaiah 1:23 – “Your rulers are rebels… they all love bribes and chase after gifts.” Judgment looms because leaders abandon the vulnerable.

Micah 3:11 – “Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price.” Religious veneer cannot mask corruption; disaster follows.

Amos 5:12 – “You oppress the righteous and accept bribes and you divert the poor from justice at the gates.” God hears the cry of the oppressed.


New Testament Echoes

Matthew 26:14-15 – Judas asks, “What are you willing to give me?” Thirty pieces of silver pave the way to betrayal.

Matthew 28:12-15 – Priests bribe soldiers to spread a resurrection cover-up. Lies purchased, truth suppressed.

Acts 8:18-20 – Simon tries to buy the Holy Spirit; Peter answers, “May your silver perish with you.” Spiritual gifts are never for sale.

1 Timothy 6:9-10 – “The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil,” undergirding every corrupt transaction.


Clear Take-Away Truths

• God’s character is just; bribery contradicts His nature.

• From Law to Prophets to Apostles, bribery is consistently condemned.

• Corruption harms society, families, and souls, inviting divine judgment.

• Integrity frees us to serve Christ without compromise, trusting Him—not money—for security and influence.

How does Paul's response in Acts 24:26 reflect his commitment to righteousness?
Top of Page
Top of Page