Definition and Nature:
Corruption, in a biblical context, refers to the moral decay and degradation that permeates human society as a result of sin. It encompasses a wide range of unethical behaviors, including dishonesty, injustice, and moral impurity. The Bible presents corruption as a fundamental aspect of the fallen world, affecting individuals, communities, and nations.

Biblical Foundation:
The concept of corruption is deeply rooted in the narrative of the Fall in Genesis. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, sin entered the world, bringing with it corruption and death. Romans 5:12 states, "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, so also death was passed on to all men, because all sinned."

Manifestations of Corruption:
1. Personal Corruption: The Bible frequently addresses the corruption of the human heart. Jeremiah 17:9 declares, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" This internal corruption leads individuals to act in ways contrary to God's will.

2. Societal Corruption: Corruption extends beyond individuals to affect entire societies. In the time of Noah, the earth was described as corrupt and filled with violence. Genesis 6:11-12 notes, "Now the earth was corrupt in the sight of God, and full of violence. God looked upon the earth and saw that it was corrupt; for all living creatures on the earth had corrupted their ways."

3. Political and Economic Corruption: The Bible also addresses corruption in leadership and governance. Proverbs 29:4 warns, "By justice a king gives stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it." Leaders who engage in corrupt practices undermine justice and righteousness, leading to societal instability.

Consequences of Corruption:
Corruption has dire consequences both spiritually and materially. Spiritually, it separates individuals from God, as sin creates a barrier between humanity and the divine. Isaiah 59:2 states, "But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear."

Materially, corruption leads to societal decay, injustice, and suffering. The prophet Micah condemned the leaders of Israel for their corrupt practices, which resulted in oppression and exploitation of the poor. Micah 3:9-11 highlights this, "Hear this, O leaders of the house of Jacob, you rulers of the house of Israel, who despise justice and distort all that is right, who build Zion with bloodshed and Jerusalem with iniquity."

Hope and Redemption:
Despite the pervasive nature of corruption, the Bible offers hope through redemption in Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, believers are offered a new nature, free from the bondage of sin. 2 Peter 1:4 encourages believers, "Through these He has given us His precious and magnificent promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, now that you have escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires."

Call to Righteousness:
Believers are called to live lives of integrity and righteousness, standing as lights in a corrupt world. Philippians 2:15 exhorts, "so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world." Christians are encouraged to resist corruption and to promote justice and truth in all areas of life.