03.04.08 The 6th Consequence of Engaging in Corruption

Making You a Fool and Blinding Your Discernment

Engaging in corruption can make a person compromise his or her ability to differentiate between good and bad; making the individual appear foolish before workmates, clients, the organisation and nations as a whole.  In fact, Exodus 23:8 warns that (CEV): … you shall take no bribe, fora bribe blinds the discerning …. Ecclesiastes 7:7 goes further to say that (CEV): corruption makes fools of sensible people, and bribes can ruin you.   

Do you remember how Ntariza, then Director at BORA Development Corporation was lured by Daudi to cancel Jenga Construction’s tender and give it to Delph Contractors even when the latter’s standard was below that required by the Corporation?  Despite Ntariza’s reputation of being an ethical man, the money-loaded envelope had corrupted the Director’s discernment.  And, rather than saying ‘No’ to the juicy envelope, he had opted to put BORA’s performance at risk; leading to the government’s cancellation of a much-awaited road-building contract.  Not only did that earn the Director the sack, the man ended up a tainted reputation and profession.

Another thing to note here is that people like Daudi cannot go scot-free given that the consequences facing those who entice ethical, honest or decent people into corruption are very clear.  Proverbs 28:10 says (EXB): Those who lead good [virtuous] people to do wrong [ go on an evil path] will be ruined by their own evil [ fall into their own pit] …  The Easy-to-Read Version of that same scripture reads (ERV):  Those who plan to hurt good people will fall into their own traps... Little wonder that Daudi ended up in a mess.