Title The Problem of Bribery/Proverbs 18:16
Subject: The Problem of Bribery
Text: Proverbs 18:16, Exodus 23:8, Deuteronomy 10:17
Gifts are exchanged on birthdays or special holidays. It's like a lubricant that keeps people in contact with each other. Not only with close family members, but even just once, we always think of gifts. We don't go empty-handed when we go to someone else's house. Even if you go empty-handed, it is common to put money in the hands of the children in the house. Because people think that there must be something coming and going in life. However, if this goes too far, it becomes a problem. This is the problem of bribery, which has become an evil in our society today. The Bible teaches both of these things, but especially warns against the issue of bribery, which is a message we need in today's society.
For children, a candy or a coin or two do just that. The same goes for getting older. To win the heart of the person you love, you do a gift offensive. When the relationship between husband and wife is not good, it can be restored as a gift. Gifts are needed not only at home, but also in all relationships.
Gifts are needed for work or business. In particular, in a society like ours where relationships with people are more important than principles to get things done, gifts are an unavoidable reality. The Bible recognizes the role of such a gift. The problem, however, is that the gift does not remain a gift, but turns into a bribe.
2. Bribery bends justice.
The Bible strictly forbids bribes that go beyond having a good relationship. The reason is that it obscures people's judgment and perverts justice. Because it can ruin the whole country. This is our country right now.
There are various forms of bribery in our society today. The name depends on the subject or situation. Village, facilitation fee, rice cake price, etc. Giving money to another person, whatever their name, to break the law or make it unfair is a bribe, and it is wrong. However, it has become the custom to give and receive bribes for work. As a result, we are all at a loss. Korea is ranked 43rd along with Zimbabwe in the Transparency Index of 85 countries.
In order to solve this problem nationally, we need to make laws and enforce them strictly and equitably. However, all citizens must be conscious of this and follow it. First of all, you need to feel guilty about giving and receiving bribes. As long as you take it for granted, it won't be a solution. The next thing you need to do is be prepared to take a personal loss. Of course, it's not easy. But with that effort, you will gradually get better.
How do we distinguish between a gift and a bribe here? question may arise. First of all, it is the motivation of the mind. But this is ambiguous. The recipient thinks it's a gift, but the giver can give it as a bribe. Amount is also a good criterion. If you look at the statistics of the Korean people, 78.2% think that 100,000 won is a bribe, half of the 50,000 won worth of wine or gift certificates is a bribe, and 90% of lunches under 10,000 won are not a bribe. In the United States, the specific amount is said to be fixed. In any case, you will have to distinguish between the two so that you can maintain good relations with people while maintaining social justice.
3. Even God hates bribes.
Bribery is done between people, but sometimes it can also be used religiously. In most religions, there is a need to pay money. Sometimes they are forced to pay, but there are many cases where the parties voluntarily pay. However, the motive for making payments is often bribery. There are examples of this in the history of Christianity (eg indulgences). Even now, there are cases where special gatherings secretly demand it. That is truly blasphemy against God.
The Bible clearly teaches that God never accepts a bribe and bends justice. You don't have to pay a bribe to be saved. The Bible teaches that it is entirely by God's grace that we receive God's approval. (Romans 6:23) Giving donations at the church is just a gift of thanks, not a bribe to receive blessings.
Rather, God has given us salvation as a gift. That is Jesus Christ. If you simply accept that gift, you become a child of God. Then you can enjoy the many blessings that God gives you.
Gifts are necessary in relationships, but avoid bribes. Let's not confuse it with bribery religion even in our relationship with God. Let's accept and live a life of gratitude for the gift of God, Jesus Christ.