Corruption

Exodus 23:8 , Deuteronomy 16:18-20 , Deuteronomy 10:16-18 , Isaiah 1:23 , II Chronicles 19:7 , Jeremiah 17:9-10 , II Corinthians 5:17

The writers of Scripture lived in a world where the situation with regard to bribery was similar to that which prevailed in traditional Africa, for the word translated as “a bribe” in the Old Testament can also be translated as “a reward” or “a gift”.  It is the intention of the giver, which is normally clear from the context that determines whether the correct translation is gift or bribe.  Thus it is clear that Exodus 23:8 refers to a bribe: “Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous” (see also Deuteronomy 16:18-20; Isaiah 1:23). When the same root word is used as a verb, the dominant meaning is bribing someone to pervert justice.  All such use of bribes is strongly condemned.  Justice must be done because the Israelites are called to be holy, like their Lord: “The God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes.  He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing” (Deuteronomy 10:16-18; 2 Chronicles 19:7).

Extortion, which is the demand of a bribe, is also strongly condemned: “Extortion turns a wise man into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart (Eccl. 7:7).  In Psalm 62:10, extortion is linked with robbery: “Do not trust in extortion or take pride in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them” (see Isaiah 33:15; Jeremiah 22:17).

From the passage above there are three important words that are related to the study of Corruption we are going to have this week: 1) “Bribe”; 2) “a reward or a gift”; and “extortion”.  The Old Testament just like the New Testament condemned bribery and extortion.  The words we read in the O.T. are the same words we read in the N.T. and they are God’s word against corruption.

• How do the O.T. writers assure the readers that the O.T. is a reliable source of information about corruption and how will they apply this in a corrupt situation?
• What difference will it make in our study of corruption if we are able to have confidence that what we are reading is in fact not just the ideas of men but the very word of God?
• Now if you believe that the words from Deuteronomy 16:18-20; Isaaiah 1:23 “Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous” and Ecclesiastes 7:7 “Extortion turns a wise man into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart” apply to corruption then are these the words of men or God? Explain your answer.

Share your thoughts about the relevance of this devotional to your anticipated learning this week in the discussion forum.

• Apart from scriptures listed above, identify four scripture references (two from O.T and the other two from N.T.) that condemn corruption and explain them?
• How would you deal with it from a Christian perspective?
• Discuss the consequences of corruption?