Bribery is the act of offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value in order to influence the actions of an official or other person in charge of a public or legal duty. The Bible contains many verses that discuss bribery and make clear that God condemns it.
In Exodus 23:8, God instructs the Israelites, “Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the innocent.” This verse warns against taking bribes because they can distort a person’s perspective and judgment. Deuteronomy 16:19 expands on this, saying, “Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the innocent.” These verses illustrate how seriously God takes bribery – it is dangerous enough to affect even the wisest among us.
The book of Proverbs also contains stern warnings against bribery. Proverbs 15:27 states, “Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live.” Bribery leads to greed and can ultimately bring ruin. Proverbs 17:23 echoes this sentiment: “The wicked accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the ways of justice.” Bribery distorts true justice and righteousness.
The prophet Isaiah condemned the rulers of Israel for accepting bribes and perverting justice in Isaiah 1:23 – “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 makes clear that those who accept bribes neglect their duty to the poor and vulnerable.
The New Testament also contains verses prohibiting bribery. In Acts 8:18-23, Peter condemns Simon the sorcerer for trying to buy the power of the Holy Spirit, saying “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” This story illustrates how seriously bribery was viewed – even attempting to bribe an apostle was a grievous sin.
Paul instructs the Romans, “But glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. For God shows no partiality. All who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.” (Romans 2:10-13). God’s justice is impartial, and bribery is a sin, whether committed by Jews or Gentiles.
Overall, the seriousness with which the Bible treats bribery reflects God’s distaste for anything that would undermine justice, oppress the poor, or create unrighteous gain. The taking or giving of bribes is clearly condemned across both the Old and New Testaments. God desires honesty, integrity and impartiality from those in positions of power and authority. The consistent biblical injunction against bribery testifies to its corruptive and sinful nature.
In addition to explicit verses about bribery, the Bible contains stories and passages that illustrate God’s opposition to it:
1. Saul attempts to bribe David
In 1 Samuel 18, King Saul becomes jealous and threatened by David’s military successes and popularity. He offers his older daughter Merab to David as a wife, on the condition that David continues to fight the Lord’s battles. This was likely an attempt by Saul to control and manipulate David through a bribe. However, David politely refuses the offer, relying on God’s plan for his life and not being swayed by Saul. Saul then gives Merab to another man.
Saul persists in trying to bribe David by then offering his younger daughter Michal as a wife. David again initially refuses, claiming he is unworthy. But Saul manipulates the situation by having his servants privately speak well of David, hoping to induce David to accept the offer in order to elevate his status and power. Though David accepts Michal as his wife, the disingenuous nature of Saul’s offer showed blatant disregard for God’s law.
2. Jeremiah stands against corruption
The prophet Jeremiah lived at a time of rampant corruption in Judah. Jeremiah 7:4-7 records God’s message to him about the dishonest practices that had infected the temple and priesthood: “‘Do not trust in these deceptive words: “This is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord.” For if you truly amend your ways and your deeds, if you truly execute justice one with another, if you do not oppress the sojourner, the fatherless, or the widow, or shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not go after other gods to your own harm, then I will let you dwell in this place, in the land that I gave of old to your fathers forever.’”
God was angered by the bribery and oppression of the vulnerable that was occurring in conjunction with the superficial religious practices at the temple. Jeremiah’s bold preaching against these injustices eventually led to plots against his life. But he continued to trust God and obey His call, an example of refusing to be swayed by bribes or threats.
3. Felix hopes for a bribe from Paul
In Acts 24, the apostle Paul is imprisoned and standing trial before Felix the governor. Felix was known as a corrupt and greed-motivated ruler. As Paul shares the gospel with Felix and his wife Drusilla, Felix becomes afraid. Acts 24:26 says, “At the same time he hoped that money would be given him by Paul. So he sent for him often and conversed with him.” Rather than responding to the truth, Felix repeatedly summoned Paul because he thought he could extract money from him.
Paul refused to offer any bribes to Felix. Felix left Paul imprisoned for two years without granting justice, until a new governor arrived. Paul’s integrity offers a model of resisting the temptation to resort to bribery, even when under duress.
4. Samuel’s sons pervert justice for bribes
1 Samuel 8 provides background to Israel’s demand for a king. Samuel had appointed his sons Joel and Abijah as judges over Israel. However, his sons were not of the same upright character. 1 Samuel 8:3 says, “Yet his sons did not walk in his ways but turned aside after gain. They took bribes and perverted justice.”
Samuel’s sons were dishonest judges – they accepted bribes from people and gave skewed, unfair rulings. This angered the elders of Israel. The people felt the only solution was to appoint a king who could better enforce justice. Though flawed, this situation reveals the damage dishonest, bribe-taking leaders can inflict on a nation.
5. Solomon prays for discernment to govern justly
In 1 Kings 3:16-28, King Solomon settles a dispute between two women over an infant son. When the case is brought before him, Solomon says, “Bring me a sword,” and suggests dividing the boy in half to settle it. The boy’s true mother immediately volunteers to give him to the lying mother to spare his life, rather than see harm come to him. Solomon then knows who the real mother is. He demonstrates wisdom from God in discerning the truth and making a just ruling.
This account offers a positive example, in contrast to Samuel’s sons. Solomon understood as a leader his decisions impacted people’s lives. He prayed for and relied on God’s wisdom rather than earthly wealth or status.
Overall, these stories reinforce the themes found in the direct verses about bribery – namely, that it distorts justice, preys on the vulnerable, and tempts even the wise and righteous. The Bible makes clear God is displeased when leaders rule unjustly or show favoritism due to bribes. God desires those in authority to be good stewards who follow His principles.
The Bible not only prohibits bribery but also encourages and instructs those in positions of influence to rule with honesty, justice and compassion. God cares deeply how leaders use the power entrusted to them, and condemns those who abuse it for personal gain.
Some key principles the Bible promotes as an alternative to corruption include:
1. Maintain honesty and integrity
Exodus 18:21 says rulers should be “able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain.” Leaders of integrity build trust and honor God. They do not need to be “bought” to act fairly or make wise decisions. Truth and moral character should guide their actions.
2. Serve the people, not selfish interests
The prophet Ezekiel condemned Israel’s rulers for failing to be proper shepherds of the people (Ezekiel 34:1-10). Leaders exist to serve those they govern, not exploit them. Samuel lived with integrity and could boldly say in 1 Samuel 12:3, “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?”
3. Defend the rights of the poor and needy
The Bible often instructs leaders to protect vulnerable people who could be targets of oppression or neglect. Proverbs 31:8-9 says, “Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Justice should be applied impartially, not skewed by wealth or status.
4. Seek God’s wisdom to govern justly
King David prayed, “Give the king Your justice, O God, and Your righteousness to the royal son! May he judge Your people with righteousness, and Your poor with justice!” (Psalm 72:1-2) By seeking God and submitting to His Word, leaders can avoid corruption and wrong motives.
The Bible speaks clearly against bribery and corruption. But it also provides guidance for those in positions of authority. When leaders rule according to God’s principles and live with honesty, justice and compassion, it fosters an ethical and upright society that honors Him.