What practical steps can we take to resist the temptation of bribery today? A sober warning from Ecclesiastes 7:7 “Surely extortion turns a wise man into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart.” Solomon exposes bribery for what it is—heart-corrupting folly. Even the wise are not immune; the lure of quick advantage can melt good judgment and twist motives. Why bribery is so tempting • Gain: promises of money, promotion, or influence in exchange for silence or favors • Speed: a shortcut when normal procedures feel slow or uncertain • Security: the illusion that “everyone does it,” so participation seems safer than resistance • Pride: the desire to control outcomes or prove oneself above the rules • Fear: worry that refusing will cost a contract, a customer, or even a friendship What bribery really costs • Inner corruption—“a bribe corrupts the heart.” Character erosion starts long before public exposure. • Distorted judgment—Exodus 23:8: “a bribe blinds those who see and perverts the words of the righteous.” • Broken fellowship—Proverbs 15:27: “He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household.” • Divine displeasure—Deuteronomy 16:19; Isaiah 33:15-16 shows God’s favor rests on those who “shake their hands free of holding a bribe.” Practical steps to resist the temptation today Cultivate contentment • 1 Timothy 6:6-10 links greed to many griefs. Thank God daily for specific provisions—job, food, home, relationships. • Set spending and saving goals that honor God so extra money is not the driving idol. Strengthen accountability • Work with open books—shared ledgers, dual signatures, traceable payments. • Invite a mature believer to ask you blunt questions about financial decisions. Memorize and quote Scripture at the point of pressure • Psalm 119:11—hide the word in your heart. • Speak out loud, “A bribe corrupts the heart,” when an offer or hint arises. Refuse small compromises • Luke 16:10—faithful in little leads to faithfulness in much. • Decline even minor “tokens” that cloud perception of impartiality. Build transparent systems • Insist on written contracts, published criteria, and documented approvals. • When possible, involve multiple reviewers to reduce private leverage. Practice generous giving • 2 Corinthians 9:8—God supplies abundance for every good work. • Regular, cheerful generosity loosens money’s grip and reminds you of the true Source. Seek wise company • Proverbs 13:20—walk with the wise and become wise. • Choose partners, vendors, and friends known for integrity; distance from those who normalize shady gifts. Plan your “escape route” • Like Joseph fleeing Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39:12), rehearse polite but firm words ahead of time: – “I’m honored, but company policy forbids accepting gifts.” – “This decision must go through the official review board.” • Have a trusted authority you can alert if pressure persists. Trust God with outcomes • Psalm 75:6-7—promotion comes from the Lord, not from bribes. • Pray in the moment, “Lord, my times are in Your hands” (Psalm 31:15), and act accordingly. Encouraging promises for integrity • Proverbs 10:9: “He who walks in integrity walks securely.” • Isaiah 33:16: the one who rejects bribes “will dwell on the heights; his refuge will be the mountain stronghold.” • Psalm 84:11: “No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” Living it out Resisting bribery is not merely avoiding illegal envelopes; it is guarding a heart devoted to God. By treasuring His word, embracing accountability, and trusting His provision, we walk a path Solomon calls wise—one that stays clear-eyed, clean-handed, and ready for eternal reward. |
    |