Bible Study

*Just for your thoughts.*

Expository Commentary on the Book of Job.*

Bible Study – 17
Bribe in Christianity

Many Bible scholars believe that the Book of Job was the first book ever written, although it appears as the eighteenth book in the order of the Bible.

Even before God gave the Law to Moses, this book speaks about many sins. One of them is bribery.
Bible scholars generally place Job's lifetime around 2100–1800 BC. In simple terms, the Bible spoke about bribery nearly 4,000 years ago.
"Fire consumes the tents of those who love bribes." (Job 15:34)
These words were spoken by Eliphaz concerning Job. Eliphaz's accusation against Job was not correct.
However, the moral principle that God hates bribery is confirmed throughout the rest of Scripture.
Bribery is not merely a serious sin today; from the very beginning it has been regarded by God as a grievous sin.
That is why God commanded Moses:
Deuteronomy 16:19 – "Do not pervert justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe."
Deuteronomy 27:25 – "Cursed is anyone who accepts a bribe to shed innocent blood."
Isaiah 1:23 – "Your rulers are rebels, partners with thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the fatherless, and the widow's case does not come before them."
Micah 3:11—"Her "leaders judge for a bribe."
Bribery is a cruel practice that deceives people, perverts justice, denies the rights of the poor, and rejects the righteousness of God.

A bribe is an unlawful payment or reward given or received in order to obtain an unfair advantage.
From the perspective of the one who gives it, a bribe is giving something in order to obtain something else. From the perspective of the one who receives it, it is accepting something in return for granting an unlawful favor.
Today, bribery has established its influence in society, politics, religious circles, and even within Christianity. Very few are willing to stand against it or refuse to accept its influence.
Christians have a duty to oppose bribery in every form, under every circumstance, and regardless of who is involved.
Sadly, many believers today have very little understanding of what bribery truly is.
Receiving money for one's vote and supporting corrupt politicians who thrive on bribery are practices that should be far removed from the life of a Christian. Corruption and bribery are among the greatest injustices that exploit human society.
These practices also appear in various forms within Christianity.
Dowry, in many situations, becomes an unjust financial transaction. In that sense, it resembles the spirit of bribery and is a serious social evil.
The bride's family gives money in the name of dowry in order to secure a marriage for their daughter, while the groom's family receives that money in order to arrange the marriage for their son. Christians should examine such practices in the light of Scripture and reject them.
In some government offices, believers may not verbally ask for a bribe, but if it is offered, they accept it. Some even give a tithe from that money.
When Christian institutions face investigations by tax authorities, money may sometimes be paid to officials in order to settle the matter. This, too, is a form of bribery.
Such people may not receive bribes themselves, but they give bribes.
Giving a bribe is wrong. Receiving a bribe is also wrong.
Do you know the judgment God pronounces upon those who seek bribes?
"Fire consumes the tents of those who love bribes."
Although these words were spoken by Eliphaz, the rest of Scripture clearly confirms that God regards bribery as a sin deserving His judgment.

Even if the consequences are not immediate, those who practice bribery will eventually experience its results in their lives.

If this warning against bribery was so clear four thousand years ago, how much more vigilant should we, as Christians, be today when bribery has become widespread throughout society?

Do not receive bribes.
Do not give bribes.
Do not support those who are immersed in bribery and corruption, regardless of the reason or the circumstance.
Christians should also examine and reject unjust financial transactions carried out in the name of dowry in the light of God's Word.

Those who follow the God of righteousness must always stand on the side of righteousness.
It is a matter of deep concern that many Christians have so little understanding of bribery that they no longer regard it as a serious issue.