Bribery is one of the oldest forms of corruption in human history. It may come in the form of “gifts,” “favors,” or “shortcuts”, but the Bible does not mince words about this practice. God clearly condemns bribes, whether in the courts of law, in positions of authority, or in daily interactions.

Let’s take a closer look at what Scripture says, biblical examples, and how we as believers should respond.

God’s Word Clearly Forbids Taking Bribes

“And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.” — Exodus 23:8 

In Bible times, a “gift” often referred to what we would today call a bribe. God commanded the judges and leaders of Israel to avoid taking such gifts because they corrupt judgment, blind discernment, and pervert justice.

Similarly:

“Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.” — Deuteronomy 16:19 

Justice is one of God’s attributes, and bribery is a direct assault against His character. When leaders accept bribes, they twist what is right to favor the highest bidder, and God calls this sin.

 2. Examples of Bribery in the Bible

🪙 a. Samuel’s Integrity vs. Corrupt Judges

“Behold, here I am: witness against me before the LORD… whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith?” — 1 Samuel 12:3

Samuel stood as a man of integrity, publicly declaring that he had never taken a bribe. His leadership was marked by fairness and the fear of God. In contrast, his own sons:

“And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.”— 1 Samuel 8:3 

Their corruption led Israel to demand a king. Bribery here was not just a personal sin, it changed the course of a nation.

b. Judas Iscariot’s Betrayal

“And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.” — Matthew 26:15

Judas accepted a bribe to betray the sinless Son of God. His greed opened the door to one of the darkest acts in history. Bribery, even when it seems “small,” can lead to devastating consequences.

 c. The Bribed Soldiers at the Tomb

“They gave large money unto the soldiers, Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.” — Matthew 28:12–13

After Christ rose from the dead, the chief priests bribed the soldiers to spread a lie. Bribery here was used to cover the truth, manipulate public opinion, and oppose God’s plan.

 3. Why Bribery Is Spiritually Dangerous

• It blinds judgment (Exodus 23:8)

• It perverts righteousness (Deuteronomy 16:19)

• It promotes partiality (Proverbs 18:5)

• It destroys integrity (Proverbs 17:23)

“A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.” — Proverbs 17:23

What may look like a “gift” can make a man compromise his conscience and lose the fear of God.

4. The Ethics of a Christian: Walking Uprightly

A believer in Christ is called to live honestly and without partiality:

“He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.” — Psalm 15:2

The Christian’s integrity should not be for sale. Whether in business, politics, ministry, or everyday dealings, we must refuse both to give and to receive bribes.

• Refuse to give bribes to get favors.

• Refuse to accept bribes to favor someone unjustly.

• Stand for truth even when it costs.

5. God Promises Blessing for Righteous Judgment

“He that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes… he shall dwell on high.” — Isaiah 33:15–16

The Lord honors those who keep their hands clean. True blessing, favor, and elevation come not through shortcuts, but through righteousness.

Choose Integrity Over Corruption

Bribery may seem like a normal thing in our societies today. But in God’s eyes, it is still sin. Whether you are a leader, a businessperson, or a citizen, the call of Scripture is clear:

“Provide things honest in the sight of all men.” — Romans 12:17

God’s people must be light in a dark world, standing for justice, rejecting bribes, and walking uprightly.

A Prayer:

“Lord, keep my heart clean from greed and compromise. Help me to love justice and righteousness more than gain. Make me a man/woman of integrity in a world full of corruption. Amen.”

Key Takeaways:

• God condemns bribery because it perverts justice.

• Many in the Bible fell through greed, but others stood firm in integrity.

• As believers, we must choose honesty over gain.

• God rewards the upright who refuse bribes.