Definition and Context
A bribe is an illicit payment or gift given to influence the judgment or conduct of a person in a position of authority. In biblical terms, bribery is often associated with corruption, injustice, and the perversion of justice. The Bible addresses the issue of bribery in various contexts, emphasizing its moral and ethical implications.

Old Testament References
The Old Testament contains numerous references to bribery, often condemning it as a practice that undermines justice and righteousness. In Exodus 23:8, the Israelites are commanded, "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, suggesting that they can distort judgment and lead to unjust outcomes.

Deuteronomy 16:19 further instructs, "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." Here, the emphasis is on the impartiality required of judges and leaders, warning that bribery can compromise their integrity and the fairness of their decisions.

In 1 Samuel 8:3, the sons of Samuel, who were appointed as judges over Israel, are criticized for their corrupt practices: "But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after dishonest gain, accepting bribes and perverting justice." This account illustrates the destructive impact of bribery on leadership and governance.

Wisdom Literature
The wisdom literature of the Bible also addresses the issue of bribery. Proverbs 17:23 states, "A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice." This proverb underscores the secretive and deceitful nature of bribery, associating it with wickedness and the deliberate undermining of justice.

Proverbs 15:27 warns, "He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble to his household, but he who hates bribes will live." This verse connects the acceptance of bribes with greed and the resulting negative consequences, suggesting that rejecting bribery leads to a more stable and righteous life.

Prophetic Warnings
The prophets of Israel frequently denounced bribery as a symptom of societal decay and moral failure. Isaiah 1:23 laments, "Your rulers are rebels, friends of thieves. They all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the fatherless, and the widow’s case does not come before them." This passage criticizes the leaders of Israel for their corruption and neglect of justice, particularly for the vulnerable.

Micah 3:11 similarly condemns the leaders of Israel: "Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets tell fortunes for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD, saying, 'Is not the LORD among us? No disaster will come upon us.'" This verse highlights the hypocrisy of those who engage in bribery while claiming to rely on God's protection.

New Testament Perspective
While the New Testament does not address bribery as extensively as the Old Testament, it upholds the principles of justice and integrity. In the context of Christian ethics, bribery is seen as incompatible with the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, who emphasize honesty, fairness, and love for one's neighbor.

Acts 24:26 provides an example of bribery in the New Testament, where Felix, the Roman governor, hoped for a bribe from Paul: "At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him." This account illustrates the persistence of bribery in the political sphere and the moral challenges faced by early Christians.

Moral and Ethical Implications
Throughout the Bible, bribery is consistently portrayed as a corrupt practice that distorts justice and undermines social order. It is associated with greed, deceit, and the exploitation of power. The biblical condemnation of bribery serves as a call to uphold justice, integrity, and righteousness in all aspects of life, reflecting the character of God who is just and impartial.