Which other scriptures emphasize the dangers of corruption and bribery? Foundation Verse “By justice a king brings stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it.” (Proverbs 29:4) Echoes in the Law • 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.” • Deuteronomy 27:25 — “Cursed is he who accepts a bribe to kill an innocent person.” The Law links bribery to God’s curse, underscoring its seriousness. Wisdom Literature’s Consistent Drumbeat • Proverbs 15:27 — “He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household, but he who hates bribes will live.” • Proverbs 17:23 — “A wicked man accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the course of justice.” • Proverbs 28:16 — “A leader who lacks judgment oppresses the people, but one who hates illicit gain will enjoy a long life.” • Psalm 15:5 — “[He] who does not lend his money at interest or take a bribe against the innocent… will never be shaken.” • Psalm 26:10 — “in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes.” Historical Warnings from Narrative • 1 Samuel 8:3 — Samuel’s sons “turned aside after dishonest gain, accepting bribes and perverting justice.” Their corruption sparked Israel’s demand for a king. • 2 Kings 5:20-27 — Gehazi secretly took money and clothing from Naaman; leprosy followed. A bribe’s hidden price became painfully visible. • Matthew 26:14-16 — Judas accepted thirty pieces of silver to betray Jesus. The ultimate tragedy born of corruption. • Matthew 28:12-15 — Religious leaders bribed soldiers to lie about the resurrection, showing how bribery spreads deception. • Acts 24:26 — Governor Felix “was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe.” Even high officials can be lured by illicit gain. Prophetic Indictments • Isaiah 1:23 — “Your rulers are rebels… They all love bribes and chase after gifts.” • Isaiah 5:23 — Leaders “acquit the guilty for a bribe, and deprive the innocent of justice.” • Micah 3:11 — “Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price…” Religion itself can be tainted when money drives ministry. • Micah 7:3 — “Both hands are skilled in evil; the ruler demands a gift, the judge accepts a bribe.” • Amos 5:12 — “You oppress the righteous, take bribes, and turn away the poor from justice at the gate.” • Ezekiel 22:12 — “In you they take bribes to shed blood… and you have forgotten Me, declares the Lord GOD.” Forgetting God lies at the root of corruption. New Testament Reinforcement • Acts 8:18-23 — Simon tried to buy the Holy Spirit’s power; Peter’s rebuke shows that spiritual gifts are never for sale. • 1 Timothy 3:3 & Titus 1:7 — Overseers must be “not greedy for money,” guarding the church from financial corruption. • James 5:4 — Unpaid wages cry out to the Lord of Hosts; withholding just payment is a form of economic bribery and oppression. Why God Takes Bribery So Seriously – It blinds judgment (Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 16:19). – It twists the words of the innocent, perverting truth. – It oppresses the poor and powerless (Amos 5:12). – It undermines national stability (Proverbs 29:4). – It invites divine judgment and curse (Deuteronomy 27:25; Isaiah 5:23). Living It Out • Guard the heart: greed is the seedbed of bribery. • Practice transparency: keep financial dealings open to the light. • Promote justice: use influence to protect, not exploit. • Model integrity: refuse even “small” favors that compromise fairness. • Trust God for provision: when the Lord is seen as provider, bribes lose their lure. |
    |