03.04.05 The 3rd Consequence of Engaging in Corruption

Annoying, Provoking and Insulting Your Maker

Daudi’s story clearly shows how God must have been provoked by the man’s corruptive activities.  This is not strange since Ezekiel 22:12 displays how God shakes His fists in anger against any dishonest gains made through corruption.  That scripture reads (NKJV): ¹²In you they take bribes to shed blood; …¹³Behold, therefore, I beat My fists at the dishonest profit which you have made... Who in the world does not know that money obtained through corruption is ‘dishonest’ gain?  Other translations of that same verse project God striking His hands against the corrupt or using His power against them. 

On that note, did you know that some people are so bold that they give tithes and offerings out of money that has been obtained through corrupt means; despite the fact that Malachi 1 refers to such sacrifices as profane? 

Another concern is that many corrupt officials ‘free ride’ on the needs of customers, using their (customers’) desperateness as a platform to demand for bribes and other forms of corruption.  But Proverbs 14:31 clearly warns that whoever mistreats, oppresses, takes advantage of, or makes things hard for the needy insults and shames God.  The Message Translation of that scripture reads (MSG): You insult your Maker when you exploit thepowerless…’  Yes…!  God gets insulted when we mistreat the poor or financially challenged such as those stakeholders that get stuck in offices simply because they cannot afford to pay the bribes demanded by unethical officials.  For instance, God was definitely offended by the way Daudi treated the old man who was looking for finances to pay for the medical bills of his ailing daughter.  See how Daudi ended up!