Examples of corruption in the Bible

        Corruption is a recurring theme in the Bible, showing how greed, injustice, and disobedience to God lead to personal and societal downfall. Here are several notable examples of corruption in the Bible:

1. The Sons of Eli (1 Samuel 2:12-17, 22-25)

        Hophni and Phinehas, the sons of Eli the priest, were corrupt in their priestly duties. They abused their position by taking the best portions of sacrifices for themselves and committing sexual immorality with the women serving at the Tabernacle.

Note: Spiritual leaders can fall into corruption when they disregard God's commandments for personal gain.

2. King Saul’s Disobedience (1 Samuel 15)

        King Saul partially obeyed God's instruction to destroy the Amalekites and their possessions. He spared King Agag and kept the best livestock, claiming they were for sacrifice.

Note: Selective obedience is a form of corruption. God values full obedience over outward religiosity.

3. Ahab and Jezebel Seizing Naboth's Vineyard (1 Kings 21)

        King Ahab wanted Naboth’s vineyard, but Naboth refused to sell it. Jezebel arranged for false charges to be brought against Naboth, leading to his death so Ahab could seize the land.

Note: Abuse of political power for personal enrichment is corruption and brings God’s judgment.

4. Judas Iscariot Betraying Jesus (Matthew 26:14-16)

        Judas, one of Jesus’ disciples, accepted 30 pieces of silver to betray Him to the religious leaders.

Note: Greed and betrayal are hallmarks of a corrupt heart, even among those close to God.

5. Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11)

        This couple sold property and lied about the proceeds, pretending to donate the full amount to the apostles while secretly keeping part of it.

Note: Hypocrisy and deceit in religious giving are corruption. God values honesty and integrity.

6. The Corrupt Judges in Israel (Isaiah 1:23; Micah 3:11)

Note: Prophets rebuked leaders and judges who accepted bribes and perverted justice.

Isaiah 1:23 (NIV): “Your rulers are rebels, partners with thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts.”

Note: A justice system corrupted by bribery defies God's righteousness.

7. The Merchants in the Temple (Matthew 21:12-13)

Note: Jesus drove out money changers and merchants from the Temple who turned a place of worship into a marketplace.

Note: Commercializing sacred spaces is a form of spiritual corruption.

8. Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8:18-23)

        Simon tried to buy the power of the Holy Spirit from Peter.

Note: Trying to manipulate spiritual authority with money is a serious corruption of God’s gift.

9. The Pharisees and Religious Leaders (Matthew 23)

        Jesus condemned the Pharisees for hypocrisy, greed, and misuse of religious laws to burden others while enriching themselves.

Note: Outward piety without inward purity is religious corruption.

10. The People Before the Flood (Genesis 6:11-12)

        The earth was filled with corruption and violence, prompting God to cleanse it through the Flood. Genesis 6:12 (NIV): “God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways.”

Note: When corruption becomes widespread, divine judgment often follows.

        Corruption in the Bible is not only political or financial—it also includes spiritual corruption, disobedience, and exploitation. Each example warns us to live with integrity, humility, and the fear of God.

Key Scriptures on Corruption:

● Proverbs 17:23 – “The wicked accept bribes in secret to pervert the course of justice.”

● Micah 6:8 – “He has shown you, O man, what is good... to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God.”

● Galatians 6:7 – “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”