BRIBERY - A Pervasive Sin. - A Pervasive Sin. Sin.
Bribery is the offering, giving, receiving or soliciting of any item of value to influence the actions and decisions of the recipient in order to favour the giver and do what he or she wants and there by making the recipient act contrary to the known rules of honesty, integrity and justice. Bribery causes the receiver to pervert justice or even prevent judgement. It is a complete negation of what God stands for - Justice. Psalm 89:14 says “righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne”. Bribery is a specific and direct transaction between at least two parties.
Bribe can be packaged and given in form of money, valuables, presents, employment, promotion, contract, political appointment or favour.
But it is clearly stated in the scriptures right from the time of Moses that bribery is a sin, it is evil, an abomination and it is prohibited. God’s law ,given to Moses for the people of Israel forbade the taking of a bribe. Moses in Deu16:18-20 admonished the judges and officers to judge the people with just judgement. Not to pervert the course of justice in any form and for any person; that officials must not be partial, irrespective of family status, relationship, social standing or wealth and they should not take bribe. Whatever was applicable then is still applicable till date since the word of GOD stands for ever. Actually, Moses encouraged them to follow suit by applying God’s decrees and instructions.That you should neither give a bribe nor receive it.
Let us consider some verses in the Bible as related to bribery.
Exo :23:8 - “Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous.”
Deut:10:17-“For the LORD your God is God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes.”
Deut:27:25- “Cursed is the man who accepts a bribe to kill an innocent person.”
2Chron:19:7-“Now let the fear of the LORD be upon you. Judge carefully, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”
Job:36:18-“Be careful that no one entices you by riches; do not let a large bribe turn you aside.”
Prov:17:23-“A wicked man accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the course of justice.”
Prov:29:4-“By justice a king gives a country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down.
Ecc:7:7-“Extortion turns a wise man into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart.”
The above applies not only to judges but to all in any endeavor, in any profession and in any sphere of life. Give no bribe, accept no bribe and refusing a bribe is always right.
Not only did the scriptures warn against giving and receiving of a bribe, repercussions are clearly written as well.
Job:15:34-“For the company of the godless will be barren, and fire will consume the tents of those who love bribes.”
Isa:5:23-“Woe to those who acquit the guilty for a bribe, but deny Justice to the innocent.”
Brethren, I am sure no one will want his or her tent to be consumed by fire and no one will want to incur the wrath of God and be cursed but the remedy is to completely avoid giving or receiving a bribe. Never be a party or an aid to it. And it is written, cursed is the person who takes a bribe for whatever reason.
Brethren, do you know that whoever does not accept a bribe against the innocent will never be shaken.Ps:15:5b. Such will be able to dwell in God’s sacred tent. In other words if you don’t accept a bribe, you will never be shaken and you will stand.
The Bible repeatedly commands God’s people to not accept bribe and it repeatedly condemns people who do.
But why do people receive a bribe?
The reasons may be due to,
Love of money.
Greed.
Lack of contentment.
Living beyond one’s means.
Unnecessary comparison with others especially those you consider being better off or wealthier.
Lack of knowledge and understanding of the scriptures.
Or disobedience to God’s law.
There is need to also consider why people give a bribe.
People do -
To influence the one in position of authority to pervert justice.
To achieve an evil plan or agenda.
To gain illicit advantage.
To curry unmerited, or undeserved favour.
To evade punishment, chastisement, shame, disgrace and judgement.
To overcome a dangerous situation or impending doom.
Admonition.
Brethren, you are admonished to be content with your wages and don’t live beyond your means. The Bible says: “Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.”Hebrews 13:5.
Do not collect more than you are required to in your business or in any business transaction.
Do not allow anyone or anybody in position of authority to entice or lure or intimidate you to sin.
Study the word of God with understanding and be knowledgeable in the word.
Ask for divine wisdom and pray always not to fall into temptation.
Love of money is evil, be self disciplined and control your appetite.
Be discerning and avoid taking “Greek”gift.
Ask for the grace of God to shun evil because receiving or giving a bribe is evil, it is a sin and an abomination.
Brethren,
Do you know that those who take bribe are regarded as wicked. Pro17: 23.
That bribe corrupts the heart.Ecc7:2.
That their hands are corrupted and dirty.Ps26:10.
That God’s wrath is on them. Isa.1:24.
And that those who give a bribe sees it as a charm that success will come at every turn.Pro.17:8. Unfortunately some Christians think that without offering or receiving a bribe no success or justice can be obtained with the result that bribery has become so pervasive and rife in our society. That viewpoint negates what the Bible says that they shall have good success by meditating and observing what is written in the book of the law. Jos 1:8.
Prayer.
Father in the name of Jesus, since giving or receiving a bribe is a sin and an abomination, help me to overcome any temptation that will make me engage in such a practice. Father, help me to live a life of
contentment and a life of obedience so that I will not be a victim of bribery.
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