What Scripture Says About Bribery
Throughout the Bible, bribery is presented as a serious moral failing that corrupts justice and offends God's character. In Exodus 23:8, Moses commanded Israel: "Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous." This foundational instruction reveals that bribery doesn't merely involve personal gain—it actively damages the pursuit of truth and righteousness within communities.
The wisdom literature of Proverbs speaks plainly about this sin. Proverbs 17:23 states, "The wicked accept bribes in secret to pervert the course of justice," while Proverbs 15:27 warns that "the greedy bring ruin to their households." These passages show us that accepting or offering bribes doesn't remain hidden; it produces spiritual consequences that extend to our families and communities. Even in the Old Testament, we see examples of how bribery leads to judgment—King David's son Absalom used bribes to turn hearts against his father (2 Samuel 15:1-6), ultimately leading to conflict and death.
In the New Testament, the principle remains unchanged. Paul instructed Titus to appoint elders who were "not lovers of money" (Titus 1:7), recognizing that those who serve in positions of trust must be free from the corrupting influence of financial temptation. Peter warned against shepherds who would "eager for money" and instead called for those who serve willingly (1 Peter 5:2-3).
Why Bribery Matters to God
Bribery matters deeply to God because it strikes at the heart of His justice and character. When we offer or accept bribes, we're declaring that we trust money more than we trust God's provision. We're also participating in a system that denies justice to those who cannot afford to "pay" for fair treatment. This is particularly offensive to God, who shows special concern for the vulnerable, the poor, and the marginalized throughout Scripture.
The prophet Samuel confronted Israel about this issue, saying his sons had taken bribes and "perverted justice" (1 Samuel 8:3). God's standards for His people have always been higher than the world's standards. We are called to be people of integrity whose "yes" means yes and whose character cannot be purchased (Matthew 5:37). When we engage in bribery, we compromise the testimony of Christ that we carry into the world.
Living with Integrity Today
As followers of Christ in Canada and beyond, we're called to radical honesty in our professional and personal dealings. This means refusing bribes in obvious forms—but also examining our hearts for subtle compromises. Do we favor people because of their wealth or status? Do we make decisions based on what benefits us rather than what's right? Do we use gifts or favors to manipulate outcomes?
Living with integrity means trusting God with our provision and our circumstances, even when "doing the right thing" costs us financially. When we're tempted to offer or accept a bribe, we can remember that God sees all and that our character is worth far more than any temporary gain. Let us commit to being people known for honesty, fairness, and unwavering commitment to justice.
"Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous." — Exodus 23:8