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BRIBERY IN THE MARKETPLACE – (Part 1 of 3) +

If you operate in the marketplace, you are faced with the bribery issue. The following three issues of the “Facts” will explore this issue from the Scriptures.  My guess is that you will be surprised by what you discover.  The bottom line is, that we have been called to a lifestyle of righteousness, Matt. 6:33.  Thus, we will not engage in the exploitation of others, Pro. 22:22.

However, in our interaction with the society in which we live, we face a recurring problem of money and gifts being required to influence decisions, or to get some action to be taken or some paper work to be processed, etc.  The necessity for money or gifts to be involved often results in one of the parties feeling exploited.  This approach to getting things done is usually termed bribery and for most people it is an accepted way of life.

Generally, the problem is most prevalent when interfacing with authority structures, and in particular, the government infrastructures.  Normally, most governments condemn the practice of their officials receiving bribes, but in reality the problem continues.

For the believer the problem is compounded, since he is usually taught that the very act of giving money or gifts to get things done is wrong, regardless of the motive or the particulars of the situation.

The dilemma we face is: How can I live righteously in my society, and yet get things done in a corrupt society?  Let us examine the Scriptures to help us with this issue.  In fact, bribery is first mentioned in the Book of Deuteronomy.  So, the problem is at least 3000 years old.

To understand what a bribe is, examine Deut. 16:18-20.  In these verses, God is talking about the kind of leadership (judges and officials) that should be appointed in every town to handle the affairs of the people:

• Describe the way these leaders should make decisions.
• Why were they advised not to accept bribes?
• How do you understand:

-         Perverting justice (v19)

-         Showing partiality (v19)

• Describe what happens to a nation when its leaders are judging its people fairly.

Conclusion:  It would seem from Deut. 16:18-20 that the receiving (and also giving) of money or gifts in order to pervert justice or to show partiality can be described as a bribe, and is therefore condemned.  This would seem to be very much in line with the character of God Himself, when Moses says in Deut.10:17, “For the LORD your God is God.  He is God of gods and LORD of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes.”

+ Adapted from “Bribery in the Marketplace”  -  Dr. John Ridgway

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