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BRIBE, BRIBERY
To give a person in authority something valuable in order to influence that person’s decision or action. Bribery was prohibited under OT law (Ex 23:8; Dt 16:19) and condemned by the prophets (Is 1:23; Am 5:12; Mi 3:11). Although Samuel denied that he ever took a bribe (1 Sm 12:3), his sons did not maintain the same standard (8:3).
The distinction between bribery and merely giving gifts was not always clear. Hence, giving something valuable is seen as a way to prevent unwanted conflict (Prv 21:14). Giving a gift is described (with neither approval nor condemnation) as a way to get ahead (18:16).
For the most part, bribery is seen in the Bible as despicable. “The wicked accept secret bribes to pervert justice” (Prv 17:23, NLT). Any system that legitimizes bribery gives the rich an unfair advantage in persuading leaders and judges; the poor find it difficult to get a fair hearing. Innocent people who are poor can be condemned; guilty people who are rich can offer a sizable bribe and go free (Ps 15:5b; Is 5:23). In extreme cases, bribes are said to have been used to hire killers (Dt 27:25; Ez 22:12).