Bible Verses About Bribery KJV: What Scripture Says About Integrity and Justice

Bribery has been a persistent issue throughout human history. From ancient courts to modern governments, the temptation to bend justice for personal gain continues to challenge societies around the world. But what does the Bible say about bribery?

If you’re searching for Bible verses about bribery KJV (King James Version), you’ll find that Scripture speaks clearly and strongly on the subject. The Bible consistently condemns bribery, describing it as a corruption of justice, a perversion of righteousness, and a sin against God.

In this post, we’ll explore key KJV Bible verses about bribery, understand their context, and uncover practical lessons we can apply to our lives today.

📖 What Is Bribery According to the Bible?

Bribery involves giving or receiving something of value to influence an outcome unfairly. In biblical times, it often occurred in courts, where judges were tempted to favor the wealthy over the poor.

The Bible presents bribery as:

• A corruption of justice
• A perversion of righteousness
• An act that blinds wise judgment
• A sin that displeases God

Let’s look at what Scripture specifically says.

📜 Old Testament Bible Verses About Bribery (KJV)

The Old Testament frequently warns against bribery, especially in matters of justice and leadership.

1. Exodus 23:8

“And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.”

This powerful verse explains the danger of bribery:

• It blinds even wise people.
• It distorts truth.
• It corrupts righteous judgment.

God instructed Israel’s leaders to refuse gifts that could influence their decisions. Integrity was non-negotiable.

2. Deuteronomy 16:19

“Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.”

Here, God ties bribery directly to injustice. When gifts influence decisions:

• The truth is twisted.
• Fairness is compromised.
• Justice becomes biased.

This verse emphasizes impartiality — a core biblical value.

3. Proverbs 17:23

“A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.”

The book of Proverbs does not mince words. It calls the one who takes a bribe “wicked.” Bribery is not portrayed as a small offense but as moral corruption.

4. Proverbs 15:27

“He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.”

This verse shifts focus to motivation. Bribery often springs from:

• Greed
• Love of money
• Desire for power

The Bible promises life and stability to those who reject dishonest gain.

5. Ecclesiastes 7:7

“Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart.”

Bribery does more than distort decisions — it damages the heart. Even good people can become corrupted when they entertain dishonest advantage.

⚖️ Bribery and Leadership in the Bible

Leaders were especially warned against bribery because their decisions affected entire communities.

6. 1 Samuel 8:3

“And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.”

Even the prophet Samuel’s sons fell into corruption. Their bribery:

• Destroyed public trust
• Perverted justice
• Helped lead Israel into demanding a king

This shows how bribery can have national consequences.

7. Isaiah 33:15

“He that walketh righteously… and shaketh his hands from holding of bribes…”

The prophet Isaiah describes a righteous person as someone who refuses bribes. Integrity is presented as a mark of godliness.

💰 Why Does the Bible Condemn Bribery?

From these Scriptures, we can identify several reasons.

1. Bribery Destroys Justice

God is a God of justice (Deuteronomy 32:4). Bribery undermines fairness and harms the innocent.

2. Bribery Corrupts the Heart

It begins with greed and leads to deeper spiritual compromise.

3. Bribery Hurts the Vulnerable

The poor and powerless suffer most when courts and leaders are corrupted.

4. Bribery Offends God’s Character

Since God is righteous and impartial, bribery contradicts His nature.

🙏 Practical Lessons for Christians Today

While modern contexts may look different from biblical courts, the principle remains the same.

Here’s how we can apply these Bible verses about bribery KJV in daily life:

• ✅ Refuse dishonest gain in business or personal dealings
• ✅ Make decisions based on truth, not personal benefit
• ✅ Stand for fairness, even when it costs you
• ✅ Check motives — guard against greed
• ✅ Pray for leaders to govern with integrity

Bribery doesn’t always involve envelopes of cash. It can show up as favoritism, unethical business deals, or subtle compromises.

Integrity starts in the heart.

🌟 God’s Promise to the Upright

Scripture repeatedly contrasts the wicked who accept bribes with the righteous who refuse them. The promise is clear:

• The wicked may gain temporarily.
• The righteous gain lasting life and honor.

Choosing integrity may cost in the short term, but it brings long-term peace and God’s blessing.

✅ Conclusion: A Call to Integrity

When we examine Bible verses about bribery KJV, one truth stands out — God takes justice seriously. Bribery blinds judgment, corrupts leaders, harms communities, and dishonors Him.

From Exodus to Proverbs to Isaiah, Scripture consistently calls believers to:

• Reject dishonest gain
• Uphold justice
• Walk in righteousness
• Reflect God’s holy character

In a world where shortcuts and financial incentives often distort truth, Christians are called to shine as examples of integrity.

May we be people who, as Isaiah says, “shake [our] hands from holding of bribes” — choosing righteousness over reward every time.

If you found this post helpful, consider exploring more KJV Bible verses on integrity, justice, and righteousness to strengthen your walk with God.