Ecclesiastes 7:7

Good News Translation

You may be wise, but if you cheat someone, you are acting like a fool. If you take a bribe, you ruin your character.

Cross References

Exodus 23:8

Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe makes people blind to what is right and ruins the cause of those who are innocent.

Proverbs 17:23

Corrupt judges accept secret bribes, and then justice is not done.

Proverbs 17:8

Some people think a bribe works like magic; they believe it can do anything.

Ecclesiastes 4:1

Then I looked again at all the injustice that goes on in this world. The oppressed were crying, and no one would help them. No one would help them, because their oppressors had power on their side.

Ecclesiastes 5:8

Don't be surprised when you see that the government oppresses the poor and denies them justice and their rights. Every official is protected by someone higher, and both are protected by still higher officials.

Ecclesiastes 8:9

I saw all this when I thought about the things that are done in this world, a world where some people have power and others have to suffer under them.

Isaiah 1:23

Your leaders are rebels and friends of thieves; they are always accepting gifts and bribes. They never defend orphans in court or listen when widows present their case.

Isaiah 33:15

You can survive if you say and do what is right. Don't use your power to cheat the poor and don't accept bribes. Don't join with those who plan to commit murder or to do other evil things.

Deuteronomy 16:19

They are not to be unjust or show partiality in their judgments; and they are not to accept bribes, for gifts blind the eyes even of wise and honest men, and cause them to give wrong decisions.

Deuteronomy 28:65

You will find no peace anywhere, no place to call your own; the Lord will overwhelm you with anxiety, hopelessness, and despair.

1 Samuel 12:3

Here I am. If I have done anything wrong, accuse me now in the presence of the Lord and the king he has chosen. Have I taken anybody's cow or anybody's donkey? Have I cheated or oppressed anyone? Have I accepted a bribe from anyone? If I have done any of these things, I will pay back what I have taken.”

1 Samuel 21:14

So Achish said to his officials, “Look! The man is crazy! Why did you bring him to me?

1 Samuel 8:3

But they did not follow their father's example; they were interested only in making money, so they accepted bribes and did not decide cases honestly.