Bribes

I really haven't had to deal with bribes, living in what is probably the most open and honest society in the world, and I am grateful for that. But when I have travelled overseas, and when I have spoken with those who do so often, there has arisen the question of whether or not we should offer bribes when they are expected/demanded.

It is the American Christian assumption that giving bribes is corrupt, unethical, and unbiblical. So I decided to check out what the Bible has to say about bribes.

The word "bribe" or "bribes" is used 27 times in the NIV. Of those, there are many instructions not to take bribes, but not one command to not give a bribe. In fact, Proverbs 17:8 says, "A bribe is a charm to the one who gives it; wherever he turns, he succeeds." Receiving bribes is unbiblical. Giving bribes works, according to the Bible. As far as I can tell, the Bible is silent about the ethics of giving a bribe.

However, the Bible is not silent about giving things to authorities when those authorities demand it of you. Jesus himself told his disciples to give to the Roman soldiers even more than they asked for.

In Luke 6:27-30, Jesus instructs those who were being unfairly treated by the Roman law enforcement troops:
“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,  bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.  If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back."

And in Romans 12:18-21 Paul writes:
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”  says the Lord.  On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Maybe if when a corrupt official expects a bribe, he is not thinking as a corrupt person, but is just operating in the only system he knows. And when we righteous American Christians refuse to give him the bribe he thinks he deserves, it just confirms in his mind what he already had heard--that American Christians are cheapskates.

On the other hand, we don't want to be taken advantage of, wasting the money God has entrusted us with.

What it all boils down to is is this: What did Jesus say we should do?