Bribery is so common in most cultures that it is hard to understand why God has given so many commands prohibiting it. The answer is that God’s idea of bribery includes matters of the heart that are much broader than man’s technical definition which is punishable by civil laws. See these links for understanding of God’s views about money in the context of religion:
Scriptures in this link also reveal that God’s idea of bribery also impacts matters of the heart regarding justice/injustice, favoritism and partiality, and relationships with the poor. Considering the scope of the above links and scriptures, it would be a great mistake to think of bribes like most cultures think of them. Rather, it is necessary to think of bribes in the context of loving your neighbor.
With this very broad understanding of God’s idea of bribery, it becomes clear that everyone is guilty of giving and receiving bribes. The transaction can be money, gifts, favors, religious offerings, political donations, votes, or something as simple and innocuous as praise. Whenever there is an expectation of some kind of reward or return for the thing given, it is a bribe — even if it is given quietly, without public knowledge.
The reward does not need to be a physical or material. Even if the expected return or reward somehow satisfies the desires of the heart, it is still a bribe. This has special application for donations and votes for political candidates and religious leaders. Even the act of attending a religious gathering or political rally can be considered a bribe in the sense that attendees know that their emotions will always be energized/rewarded when singing and praying together in the company of like-minded people. Thus they are willing to make a financial donation to ensure that the experience will be available to them next Sunday.
Political contributions and votes are culturally acceptable practices that qualify as bribes The act of voting for a candidate who promises to enact legislation that is partial to white, rich people and impartial to poor people of color or another nationality is a bribe because the voter expects to be rewarded with legislation that appeases their anxious hearts regarding people whom they consider to be undeserving of public assistance and American citizenship. The same is true about other Diversity, Equity and Inclusion issues that political candidates promise to control with legislation. These common examples do not fit the common cultural definition of bribery but they do fit God’s definition of bribery and favoritism because they are inconsistent with loving your neighbor.
Some of the following statements about bribes are exact quotes from scripture and some are paraphrases of scripture. Considering them all together, we can understand God’s attitude about bribery.
- Your rulers are rebels and companions of thieves; Everyone loves a bribe (i.e. political donation or gift to a religious leader) and chases after rewards. They do not defend the orphan, Nor does the widow’s plea come before them. They slay the widow and the stranger And murder the orphans.
- A wicked man who receives a bribe will pervert the ways of justice.
- You shall not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the clear-sighted and subverts the cause of the just.
- A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice.
- You have taken bribes to shed blood; you have taken interest and profits, and you have injured your neighbors for gain by oppression.
- A bribe (i.e. political donation or gift to a religious leader) is a charm in the sight of its owner; Wherever he turns, he prospers.
- Concerning evil, both hands do it well. Religious leaders, political leaders and judges ask for bribes.
- A powerful man speaks the desire of his soul; So they weave it together as a bribe.
- Extortion (i.e. demands for bribes) makes a wise man mad; and a bribe corrupts the heart.
- The practice of extortion turns a wise person into a fool; receiving a bribe destroys the mind.
- Those who obey God’s commands, speak what is right, reject gain from extortion, refuse to accept or pay bribes, and refuse to consider conspiracies as truth will dwell in God’s presence.
- Do not seek dishonest gain, seek bribes or pervert justice.
- It is a sin to cause distress for others, accept bribes, and turn a blind eye to the needs of the poor.
- Anyone who profits illicitly by receiving a bribe causes troubles for himself and his family. But he who hates bribes will prosper.
- God does not show partiality and cannot be bribed (i.e. with religious works, prayer, votes or financial donations).
- God will have no part in unrighteousness or partiality or the taking of a bribe.
- Political leaders give stability to a nation by making just decisions (i.e. without accepting bribes). But anyone who takes bribes seeks to destroy good government.
- The weapons of the scoundrel are destructive; he hatches plots to destroy the poor with lies, even when the plea of the needy is just.