BE JUST & NOT BRIBED
BE JUST & NOT BRIBED
Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. —Deuteronomy 16:19
Let’s take a look at some things that are mentioned in this above verse.
- Do not deny justice.
We are to be honest and fair. Judges, government officials, business leaders, education officials, church leaders, parents and people in general are all called to be just in their dealing with others.
- Do not show partiality.
We are not to be biased in our decisions. That is, we are not to have preconceived ideas about a situation or decision to be made. We are not to practice favoritism.
- Do not accept a bribe.
Bribes appeal to the fleshly, worldly, fallen nature of man. They appeal to the lustful desires of man. This is all for the sake of being enticed to rule in favor of the one offering the bribe.
- A bribe blinds the minds of the wise.
When a person caves and takes a bribe their mind is blinded to what they should see and what they should do. Even the wise are adversely affected when taking a bribe.
- A bribe twists the words of the righteous.
So to can a righteous person’s words to twisted and perverted when a bribe is taken. This is what is expected to happen by the one offering the bribe.
How often do judges, government officials, business leaders, education officials, church leaders, parents and people in general not rule justly? Corruption occurs at all levels of society because we are in a fallen world. Being in a fallen world does not justify doing it, but the fact of the matter is as long as we live in a fallen world this will take place at all levels. All will answer to Jesus one day.
As followers of Jesus we are not to be like the world, but instead we are to be like our Lord. May we be faithful and not accept a bribe in any form. Yes, let us be just and true to our Lord Jesus! May it be so! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yb1HeJoSmT0