50+ Bible Verses About Bribery (And What They Mean)
Bribery is a topic that comes up often in discussions about ethics and morality. The Bible has a lot to say about it, offering guidance and wisdom through various verses.
This article compiles 50 Bible verses that address bribery. These passages provide insight into how bribery is viewed and the consequences it can bring.
What Does the Bible Say About Bribery
The Bible has a lot to say about bribery, offering wisdom and guidance through various verses. These passages highlight the importance of integrity and justice, urging us to live honestly and fairly. By reflecting on these teachings, we can better understand how to apply them in our daily lives, fostering a more just and compassionate world.
One key theme is the corrupting nature of bribery. Verses like Exodus 23:8 and Deuteronomy 16:19 remind us that bribery blinds the wise and perverts justice. It’s a powerful reminder that even small acts of dishonesty can have far-reaching consequences, distorting our ability to see the truth and act justly.
Another important theme is the impact of bribery on leadership. Proverbs 29:4 and Isaiah 1:23 show how leaders who accept bribes undermine the very foundation of their communities. True leadership is built on fairness and integrity, and these verses challenge us to consider how our actions can either uplift or harm those around us.
The Bible also emphasizes the importance of rejecting greed and embracing integrity. Proverbs 15:27 and Isaiah 33:15 highlight that greed leads to chaos, while integrity brings peace and fulfillment. These verses encourage us to prioritize honesty and fairness, knowing that these values lead to a more meaningful and stable life.
Finally, the Bible calls us to protect the vulnerable and stand against injustice. Verses like Isaiah 10:1-2 and Zechariah 7:10 urge us to defend the needy and reject deceitful practices. By embracing these teachings, we can create a ripple effect of positive change, fostering a community built on compassion and fairness.
50 Bible Verses About Bribery
10 Bible Verses on Bribery in Leadership
1) Exodus 23:8
And you shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds the discerning and perverts the words of the righteous.
Meaning: Bribery doesn't just corrupt the giver and the taker; it distorts justice itself, making it impossible to see the truth clearly.
2) Deuteronomy 16:19
You shall not pervert justice; you shall not show partiality, nor take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous.
Meaning: While the world often suggests that bending the rules can lead to success, this verse reminds us that true wisdom and integrity come from upholding justice and fairness, even when it's challenging.
3) Proverbs 29:4
The king establishes the land by justice, but he who receives bribes overthrows it.
Meaning: Reflect on how true leadership is built on fairness and integrity. This verse challenges us to consider the far-reaching impact of our actions on the foundation of our communities and our lives.
4) Isaiah 1:23
Your princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves; everyone loves bribes, and follows after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, nor does the cause of the widow come before them.
Meaning: When leaders prioritize personal gain over justice, it's like a garden overrun with weeds, choking out the potential for growth and beauty. Consider how your actions can either uplift or undermine the vulnerable around you.
5) Micah 3:11
Her heads judge for a bribe, her priests teach for pay, and her prophets divine for money. Yet they lean on the Lord, and say, "Is not the Lord among us? No harm can come upon us."
Meaning: It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that outward appearances or actions can justify unethical behavior. In your daily life, strive to align your actions with genuine integrity, not just what looks good on the surface.
6) Ezekiel 22:12
In you they take bribes to shed blood; you take usury and increase; you have made profit from your neighbors by extortion, and have forgotten Me, says the Lord God.
Meaning: What happens when we prioritize personal gain over our moral compass? This verse challenges us to consider how easily we can lose sight of what truly matters when we let greed take the wheel.
7) 1 Samuel 8:3
But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice.
Meaning: Like a tree that grows crooked when its roots are compromised, our actions can stray from integrity when we prioritize personal gain over fairness. Reflect on how your choices today can either uphold or undermine the principles you value.
8) Proverbs 17:23
A wicked man accepts a bribe behind the back to pervert the ways of justice.
Meaning: It's like when someone cheats in a game, making it unfair for everyone else. This verse can make us feel a strong sense of conviction about staying honest, even when no one is watching.
9) Isaiah 5:23
Who justify the wicked for a bribe, and take away justice from the righteous man.
Meaning: Upholding justice is a timeless principle that transcends eras. In today's world, this verse reminds us to stand firm against corruption and to protect the integrity of our communities.
10) Amos 5:12
For I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins: Afflicting the just and taking bribes; Diverting the poor from justice at the gate.
Meaning: It's easy to get caught up in our own interests, but this verse nudges us to consider how our actions impact others, especially those who are vulnerable. How can we shift our focus to ensure fairness and justice in our daily lives?
10 Bible Verses on Bribery and Justice
11) Deuteronomy 27:25
Cursed is the one who takes a bribe to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen!
Meaning: It's a stark reminder that our actions have consequences. When we prioritize integrity, we honor not just ourselves but the community around us.
12) Proverbs 17:8
A present is a precious stone in the eyes of its possessor; wherever he turns, he prospers.
Meaning: It's fascinating how gifts can influence people and situations. This verse nudges us to consider the power of generosity and how it can open doors and create opportunities.
13) Proverbs 15:27
He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live.
Meaning: Greed can create chaos and strife in our lives, but choosing integrity and rejecting corruption leads to a more peaceful and fulfilling existence.
14) Isaiah 33:15
He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly, he who despises the gain of oppressions, who gestures with his hands, refusing bribes, who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed, and shuts his eyes from seeing evil
Meaning: Embrace the call to live with integrity and reject corruption. In your daily interactions, let honesty and fairness guide your actions, creating a ripple effect of positive change around you.
15) 1 Samuel 12:3
Here I am. Witness against me before the Lord and before His anointed: Whose ox have I taken, or whose donkey have I taken, or whom have I cheated? Whom have I oppressed, or from whose hand have I received any bribe with which to blind my eyes? I will restore it to you.
Meaning: In moments of doubt, this verse can be a gentle reminder that integrity and honesty are the foundations of trust and respect. Reflect on how these values can bring peace and reassurance, even in challenging times.
16) Job 15:34
For the company of hypocrites will be barren, and fire will consume the tents of bribery.
Meaning: The verse paints a vivid picture of the inevitable downfall that comes from deceit and corruption, reminding us that true fulfillment and peace come from living with integrity.
17) Psalm 26:10
In whose hands is a sinister scheme, and whose right hand is full of bribes.
Meaning: When faced with the temptation to compromise your values, remember that true strength lies in choosing integrity over deceit. It's in these moments of decision that your character truly shines.
18) Proverbs 21:14
A gift in secret pacifies anger, and a bribe behind the back, strong wrath.
Meaning: In moments of tension, a thoughtful gesture can soothe and mend relationships, reminding us of the power of kindness and understanding in our daily lives.
19) Ecclesiastes 7:7
Surely oppression destroys a wise man's reason, and a bribe debases the heart.
Meaning: Take a moment to reflect on how easily our judgment can be clouded by external pressures. Embracing integrity can lead to a clearer, more fulfilling path in life.
20) Isaiah 10:1-2
Woe to those who decree unrighteous decrees, who write misfortune, which they have prescribed to rob the needy of justice, and to take what is right from the poor of My people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless.
Meaning: It's a powerful call to stand against injustice and protect the vulnerable. Let this verse inspire you to be a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves, fostering a community built on fairness and compassion.
10 Bible Verses on Bribery Consequences
21) Proverbs 28:21
To show partiality is not good, because for a piece of bread a man will transgress.
Meaning: When life gets tough, remember that staying true to your values is more important than quick fixes. Hold onto your integrity, even when the pressure is on.
22) Micah 7:3
That they may successfully do evil with both hands—The prince asks for gifts, the judge seeks a bribe, and the great man utters his evil desire; so they scheme together.
Meaning: It's a gentle reminder that when we let greed and corruption take over, we stray from the path of integrity and justice. Let's refocus on what truly matters, aligning our actions with our core values.
23) Isaiah 1:23
Your princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves; everyone loves bribes, and follows after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, nor does the cause of the widow come before them.
Meaning: It's striking how easily we can lose sight of justice when personal gain is at stake. Reflect on how your actions today can contribute to a more just and compassionate world.
24) Ezekiel 22:13
Behold, therefore, I beat My fists at the dishonest profit which you have made, and at the bloodshed which has been in your midst.
Meaning: God's unwavering commitment to justice and righteousness is a timeless truth. His call to reject dishonesty and violence resonates deeply, urging us to live with integrity and compassion in every era.
25) Amos 2:6
Thus says the Lord: For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, because they sell the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of sandals.
Meaning: Consider how your actions impact those around you, especially the vulnerable. How can you ensure fairness and compassion in your daily choices?
26) Amos 8:4-6
Hear this, you who swallow up the needy, and make the poor of the land fail, saying: "When will the New Moon be past, that we may sell grain? And the Sabbath, that we may trade wheat? Making the ephah small and the shekel large, falsifying the scales by deceit, that we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals—even sell the bad wheat?"
Meaning: It's a powerful reminder that God's justice is unwavering. Trust in His promise that integrity and compassion will always be upheld, providing a firm foundation for our lives.
27) Zephaniah 3:3-4
Her princes in her midst are roaring lions; Her judges are evening wolves that leave not a bone till morning. Her prophets are insolent, treacherous people; Her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law.
Meaning: In ancient times, leaders were expected to protect and guide their people. This verse flips that expectation, showing how corruption can turn protectors into predators, urging us to rethink our own roles in fostering justice and integrity.
28) Jeremiah 22:17
Yet your eyes and your heart are for nothing but your covetousness, for shedding innocent blood, and practicing oppression and violence.
Meaning: When life feels like a storm of greed and injustice, this verse reminds us that true peace and fulfillment come from rejecting such chaos and embracing integrity and compassion.
29) Hosea 4:18
Their drink is rebellion, they commit harlotry continually. Her rulers dearly love dishonor.
Meaning: How can you align your actions with integrity and honor, even when faced with temptation? Reflect on the choices you make and consider how they shape your character and influence those around you.
30) Isaiah 5:22-23
Woe to men mighty at drinking wine, woe to men valiant for mixing intoxicating drink, who justify the wicked for a bribe, and take away justice from the righteous man.
Meaning: Consider how your actions can either uplift or undermine those around you. Embrace integrity and fairness, knowing that your choices have the power to create a ripple effect of positive change.
10 Bible Verses on Bribery in Society
31) Exodus 18:21
Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.
Meaning: The phrase "men of truth" stands out, emphasizing the importance of honesty and integrity. It's like choosing a friend who always tells you the truth, even when it's hard to hear, because you know they have your best interests at heart.
32) Proverbs 19:6
Many entreat the favor of the nobility, and every man is a friend to one who gives gifts.
Meaning: In the midst of life's challenges, remember that God's love and grace are unwavering. Let this verse be a reminder of the peace and assurance that comes from trusting in His faithfulness.
33) Proverbs 25:14
Whoever falsely boasts of giving is like clouds and wind without rain.
Meaning: There's a refreshing hope in knowing that true generosity comes from the heart, not from a need for recognition. In a world that often values appearances, this verse encourages us to seek genuine humility over empty pride.
34) Isaiah 32:7
Also the schemes of the schemer are evil; He devises wicked plans to destroy the poor with lying words, even when the needy speaks justice.
Meaning: It's a call to be vigilant and compassionate, reminding us to stand up for those who are vulnerable and to be wary of deceitful intentions around us.
35) Jeremiah 5:28
They have grown fat, they are sleek; Yes, they surpass the deeds of the wicked; They do not plead the cause, The cause of the fatherless; Yet they prosper, And the right of the needy they do not defend.
Meaning: The certainty of this verse's promise is striking. Its vivid language paints a powerful picture of neglect and injustice, urging us to reflect on the importance of defending the vulnerable in our society.
36) Ezekiel 13:19
And will you profane Me among My people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, killing people who should not die, and keeping people alive who should not live, by your lying to My people who listen to lies?
Meaning: In every season, truth and integrity are our anchors. "Honesty shapes our legacy" is a simple reminder that our choices echo through time, impacting not just ourselves but those around us.
37) Micah 6:12
For her rich men are full of violence, her inhabitants have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth.
Meaning: In a world where deceit and violence can seem overwhelming, remember that integrity and honesty are what truly matter. Let this verse inspire you to be a beacon of truth and compassion in your community.
38) Zechariah 7:10
Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. Let none of you plan evil in his heart against his brother.
Meaning: It's amazing how God's wisdom calls us to care for the vulnerable, reminding us that His grace and mercy are always with us, guiding us to love and protect one another.
39) Malachi 1:14
But cursed be the deceiver who has in his flock a male, and takes a vow, but sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished—For I am a great King, says the Lord of hosts, and My name is to be feared among the nations.
Meaning: God's greatness and holiness call us to offer our best, reflecting His worthiness and our reverence for Him. It's a reminder that our actions should align with the honor and respect He deserves.
40) Matthew 23:23
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.
Meaning: In times of uncertainty, this verse reminds us to focus on what truly matters—justice, mercy, and faith. It's a gentle nudge to look beyond the surface and embrace the deeper values that bring lasting peace and hope.
10 Bible Verses on Bribery and Integrity
41) Proverbs 11:1
Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight.
Meaning: Embracing honesty and fairness can truly transform our lives, bringing a sense of peace and fulfillment that resonates deeply within us.
42) Proverbs 20:10
Diverse weights and diverse measures, they are both alike, an abomination to the Lord.
Meaning: It's fascinating how fairness and honesty are timeless values. When we strive for integrity in our actions, we honor a principle that has guided countless generations before us.
43) Proverbs 20:23
Diverse weights are an abomination to the Lord, and dishonest scales are not good.
Meaning: Embracing honesty and fairness can truly transform our lives, bringing a sense of peace and fulfillment that resonates deeply within us.
44) Leviticus 19:35-36
You shall do no injustice in judgment, in measurement of length, weight, or volume. You shall have honest scales, honest weights, an honest ephah, and an honest hin: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt.
Meaning: When you choose to act with integrity, you honor not just yourself but the values that have stood the test of time. Let this verse inspire you to be fair and honest in all your dealings, creating a ripple effect of trust and respect in your community.
45) Deuteronomy 25:13-16
You shall not have in your bag differing weights, a heavy and a light. You shall not have in your house differing measures, a large and a small. You shall have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure, that your days may be lengthened in the land which the Lord your God is giving you. For all who do such things, all who behave unrighteously, are an abomination to the Lord your God.
Meaning: The call to live with integrity and fairness is as relevant today as it was centuries ago. Embrace honesty in all your dealings, knowing it brings lasting peace and trust.
46) 2 Chronicles 19:7
Now therefore, let the fear of the Lord be upon you; take care and do it, for there is no iniquity with the Lord our God, no partiality, nor taking of bribes.
Meaning: Faith brings a profound sense of security, knowing that God's justice is unwavering and His love is impartial. Trust in His guidance, and let His steadfast presence be your anchor in all circumstances.
47) Psalm 15:5
He who does not put out his money at usury, nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.
Meaning: God's presence is a constant source of strength and guidance. Embracing integrity and fairness in our actions not only honors Him but also brings a sense of stability and peace to our lives.
48) Proverbs 16:11
Honest weights and scales are the Lord's; all the weights in the bag are His work.
Meaning: There's a profound joy in knowing that fairness and integrity are deeply valued. Embrace these principles, and you'll find a sense of peace and fulfillment that resonates in every aspect of your life.
49) Proverbs 28:6
Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
Meaning: Embrace the truth that integrity is more valuable than wealth. Let your actions reflect honesty and uprightness, knowing that true richness comes from living a life of integrity.
50) Luke 16:10-11
He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
Meaning: When life feels overwhelming, remember that integrity in small things builds trust for greater responsibilities. Your everyday actions reflect your true character.
How to Apply These Bible Verses About Bribery
Applying the Bible's teachings on bribery to our daily lives is crucial for fostering integrity and justice. These verses offer timeless wisdom that can guide our actions and decisions, helping us build a more honest and fair community.
- Practice honesty: Make a habit of being truthful in all your dealings, whether at work, home, or in social settings. Small acts of honesty build a foundation of trust.
- Reject greed: Focus on contentment and gratitude. Avoid situations where you might be tempted to compromise your values for personal gain.
- Pray for guidance: Ask God for the strength to resist temptation and the wisdom to make just decisions. Daily prayers can keep you grounded in your faith.
- Support the vulnerable: Stand up for those who are marginalized or oppressed. Volunteer in your community or support organizations that fight for justice.
- Lead by example: Whether you're in a leadership position or not, your actions can inspire others. Show integrity in your decisions and encourage others to do the same.
Remember, God is always with you, guiding you towards a life of integrity and compassion. Your faith-driven actions can create a ripple effect, bringing positive change to those around you.
For more prayers and Bible verses, visit PrayersFor or try our Bible Verse Generator to deepen your understanding and faith.
