Justice

Justice is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting God's character and His expectations for human conduct. The concept of justice in the Scriptures is rooted in the Hebrew word "mishpat," which encompasses fairness, righteousness, and the equitable treatment of individuals. Justice is not merely a legal principle but a moral imperative that reflects God's holiness and His desire for a just society.

In the Old Testament, justice is a fundamental aspect of the Law given to Israel. Deuteronomy 16:20 commands, "Pursue justice, and justice alone, so that you may live, and you may possess the land the LORD your God is giving you." This directive underscores the importance of justice as a prerequisite for the community's well-being and prosperity. The prophets frequently called Israel back to justice, condemning the exploitation of the poor and the perversion of justice. For instance, Micah 6:8 states, "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"

In the New Testament, justice is embodied in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus emphasized the spirit of the law over mere legalism, advocating for justice that flows from love and mercy. In Matthew 23:23 , Jesus rebukes the Pharisees, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin, but you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former."

The apostolic writings continue this theme, urging believers to uphold justice in their communities. James 1:27 defines pure religion as caring for orphans and widows in their distress, highlighting the practical outworking of justice in the Christian life.

Bribery

Bribery is consistently condemned in the Bible as a corrupt practice that undermines justice and righteousness. It involves offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value to influence the actions of an official or other person in a position of authority. Bribery distorts justice, favors the wealthy and powerful, and oppresses the poor and vulnerable.

The Old Testament explicitly prohibits bribery, associating it with wickedness and injustice. Exodus 23:8 warns, "Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous." This verse highlights the corrupting influence of bribes, which can pervert judgment and lead to unjust outcomes. Similarly, Deuteronomy 16:19 instructs, "Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for it blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous."

The wisdom literature also speaks against bribery. Proverbs 17:23 states, "A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice." This proverb underscores the moral depravity associated with bribery and its destructive impact on society.

In the New Testament, the principles of justice and integrity are upheld, and bribery is implicitly condemned. The early church leaders were expected to be above reproach, avoiding any form of corruption. Acts 24:26 provides an example of bribery when Felix, the Roman governor, hoped for a bribe from Paul, illustrating the pervasive nature of this sin even in the early Christian context.

Overall, the Bible presents justice as a divine mandate and bribery as a grave sin that contradicts God's righteous standards. Believers are called to uphold justice, reject bribery, and reflect God's character in their dealings with others.