Bribery and corruption are practices that have plagued societies throughout history. In the Bible, these immoral actions are frequently condemned, and numerous verses address the harmful consequences of dishonesty, injustice, and the exploitation of power. This article explores 15 Bible verses that highlight the seriousness of bribery and corruption, offering guidance on how we should live with integrity and justice.
1. Exodus 23:8 – “Do Not Accept a Bribe”
“You shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds the clear-sighted and subverts the cause of the just.” (Exodus 23:8, ESV)
In this verse, God commands the Israelites not to accept bribes. A bribe can blind even those who are clear-sighted, meaning it can distort a person’s judgment and decision-making. Bribery undermines justice and fairness, leading to unjust outcomes. This warning is a reminder that bribery is not only wrong but can corrupt one’s ability to make righteous decisions.
2. Deuteronomy 16:19 – “Do Not Pervert Justice”
“You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality, and you shall not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of the righteous.” (Deuteronomy 16:19, ESV)
This verse reiterates the danger of bribery, emphasizing that it perverts justice. It highlights the fact that bribery makes the wise act foolishly and leads to injustice. God commands His people to remain impartial and just in all situations, a clear call for honesty in leadership and governance.
3. Proverbs 17:23 – “Bribes and Wickedness”
“The wicked accept a bribe in secret to pervert the ways of justice.” (Proverbs 17:23, ESV)
This verse speaks directly to the wickedness of bribery. It reveals that the act of accepting a bribe often happens in secret, indicating a hidden agenda or corruption. When justice is perverted by such actions, the trust in a system of righteousness is destroyed.
4. Proverbs 18:5 – “Justice is Not for the Wicked”
“It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the righteous of justice.” (Proverbs 18:5, ESV)
This verse emphasizes that showing partiality toward the wicked, often through the acceptance of bribes, is evil. The Bible calls us to ensure that justice is equally applied to everyone, regardless of their status or power. Corruption disrupts this fairness and creates an unjust society.
5. Proverbs 29:4 – “The King Who Judges with Integrity”
“By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts tears it down.” (Proverbs 29:4, ESV)
This verse contrasts two types of rulers. The first is a king who rules with justice, which brings stability and prosperity to the land. The second is a ruler who seeks gifts (bribes), causing destruction. A leader’s integrity is essential for the welfare of society, and corruption leads to its downfall.
6. Proverbs 15:27 – “Greed and Corruption”
“Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live.” (Proverbs 15:27, ESV)
Greed for bribery or unjust gain can bring trouble, not only to an individual but to their entire household. This verse warns that seeking wealth through dishonest means disrupts peace and leads to destruction. Those who avoid bribes and greed will experience true prosperity, founded on integrity.
7. Isaiah 1:23 – “The Corruption of Leaders”
“Your princes are rebels and companions of thieves. Everyone loves a bribe and runs after gifts. They do not bring justice to the fatherless, and the widow’s cause does not come to them.” (Isaiah 1:23, ESV)
This verse paints a vivid picture of corrupted leadership. The princes, who should be responsible for upholding justice, are instead rebels and thieves, consumed with the love of bribes. As a result, they neglect the needy, such as the fatherless and the widow, demonstrating how corruption negatively impacts society’s most vulnerable.
8. Jeremiah 22:17 – “Heart of Corruption”
“But your eyes and your heart are only for your dishonest gain, for shedding innocent blood, and for practicing oppression and violence.” (Jeremiah 22:17, ESV)
This verse condemns those who are consumed with corruption, particularly the pursuit of dishonest gain. The prophet speaks against those who are willing to engage in violence and oppression for personal enrichment, showing how bribery and corruption can lead to a breakdown in moral and ethical values.
9. Micah 3:11 – “Bribery in the Courts”
“Her heads judge for a bribe; her priests teach for a price; her prophets practice divination for money. Yet they lean on the Lord and say, ‘Is not the Lord in the midst of us? No disaster shall come upon us.'” (Micah 3:11, ESV)
Micah criticizes the corruption that has infiltrated the courts, the priests, and the prophets. The leaders are bribed and motivated by money, yet they still claim to serve the Lord. This verse illustrates how corruption can take hold even in religious and governmental institutions, leading to a false sense of security and spiritual complacency.
10. Amos 5:12 – “Hating Bribes”
“For I know how many are your transgressions and how great are your sins— you who afflict the righteous, who take a bribe and turn aside the needy in the gate.” (Amos 5:12, ESV)
Amos condemns those who take bribes, turning away from justice and righteousness. These actions are described as transgressions and sins that affect society’s most vulnerable. Taking bribes not only harms the one who accepts them but also leads to the oppression of the righteous and the needy.
11. Psalm 15:5 – “The Integrity of the Upright”
“Who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.” (Psalm 15:5, ESV)
In this psalm, the righteous person is described as one who does not take a bribe. The upright are marked by their integrity and commitment to justice. Bribery is contrasted with a life of righteousness, which leads to stability and security.
12. Proverbs 28:16 – “A Leader Who Corrupts”
“A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor, but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.” (Proverbs 28:16, ESV)
This verse warns against leaders who lack wisdom and understanding. Such leaders are prone to corruption and oppression, often seeking unjust gain. However, leaders who hate bribery and corruption will experience longer and more prosperous reigns, as their leadership is based on righteousness and wisdom.
13. 1 Samuel 12:3-4 – “Integrity in Leadership”
“Here I am; testify against me before the Lord and before His anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Or whose donkey have I taken? Or whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed? Or from whose hand have I taken a bribe to blind my eyes with it? Testify against me, and I will restore it to you.” (1 Samuel 12:3-4, ESV)
In this passage, Samuel addresses the people of Israel, challenging them to testify if he has engaged in bribery or corruption. He is confident that he has not, emphasizing the importance of personal integrity for leaders. Samuel’s example teaches us that leaders should be above reproach, holding themselves accountable for their actions.
14. Luke 3:12-14 – “John the Baptist and Corruption”
“Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, ‘Teacher, what shall we do?’ And he said to them, ‘Collect no more than you are authorized to do.’ Soldiers also asked him, ‘And we, what shall we do?’ And he said to them, ‘Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.'” (Luke 3:12-14, ESV)
John the Baptist addresses both tax collectors and soldiers, warning them against taking bribes or engaging in corruption. He advises them to be content with their wages and to avoid exploiting others. This passage shows how corruption and greed infiltrate various sectors of society and how followers of God should act with integrity.
15. James 5:4 – “The Cry of the Oppressed”
“Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts.” (James 5:4, ESV)
James condemns those who defraud workers and keep back their wages, which is a form of bribery and exploitation. The oppressed cry out, and their cries are heard by God. This verse demonstrates that those who take advantage of others for personal gain will face God’s judgment.
Conclusion
The Bible offers numerous warnings against bribery and corruption, teaching that these practices are sinful and destructive. They undermine justice, cause oppression, and lead to societal decay. As Christians, we are called to uphold integrity and righteousness in all our dealings, whether in leadership, business, or daily life. These 15 Bible verses remind us of the importance of avoiding bribery and corruption and living according to God’s standards of justice and fairness. By doing so, we honor God and contribute to a more just and moral society.
You Might Be Interested In:
- 25 Bible Verses About Murdering the Innocent
- 43 Bible Verses on Dressing
- 20 Bible Verses About Helping the Needy