bribery
What does the Bible say about bribery? These are the passages readers found most helpful — tap any citation to read it in context.
17 passages · most helpful first
8Neither shall you accept bribes, which blind even the prudent and subvert the words of the just.
27Whoever pursues avarice disturbs his own house. But whoever hates bribes shall live. Through mercy and faith, sins are purged. But through the fear of the Lord, each one turns aside from evil.
23The impious receives gifts from the bosom, so that he may pervert the paths of judgment.
12For I know your many wicked deeds and the strength of your sins, you enemies of the just, accepting bribes, and depriving the poor at the gate.
8The expectation of those who stand ready is a most pleasing jewel. Whichever way he turns himself, he understands prudently.
7For, like the crackling of thorns burning under a pot, so is the laughter of the foolish. But this, too, is emptiness.
19and not so as to show favoritism to either side. You shall not accept a person’s reputation, nor gifts. For gifts blind the eyes of the wise and alter the words of the just.
14A surprise gift extinguishes anger. And a gift concealed in the bosom extinguishes the greatest indignation.
10in whose hands are iniquities: their right hand has been filled by bribes.
23Your leaders are unfaithful, the associates of thieves. They all love gifts; they pursue rewards. They do not judge for orphans, and the widow’s case is not brought before them.
2Treasures of impiety will profit nothing. Truly, justice shall liberate from death.
23For you justify an impious man in exchange for bribes, and you carry away the justice of a just man from him.
10For desire is the root of all evils. Some persons, hungering in this way, have strayed from the faith and have entangled themselves in many sorrows.
34For the congregation of the hypocrites is fruitless, and fire will devour the tabernacles of those who love to accept money.
12And gathering together with the elders, having taken counsel, they gave an abundant sum of money to the soldiers, 13saying: “Say that his disciples arrived at night and stole him away, while we were sleeping. 14And if the procurator hears about this, we will persuade him, and we will protect you.” 15Then, having accepted the money, they did as they were instructed. And this word has been spread among the Jews, even to this day.
21Whoever shows favoritism in judgment does not do well; even if it is for a morsel of bread, he forsakes the truth.
3But his sons did not walk in his ways. Instead, they turned aside, pursuing avarice. And they accepted bribes, and they perverted judgment.