In a world where influence is often bought, it can be tempting to approach God similarly, thinking you can move God’s hand in one direction or another by offerings, actions, or even words.
However, the Bible consistently reminds us that God operates on an entirely different level. His justice, love, and mercy are all clearly unbuyable; indeed, His character does not change at the whim of man trying to sway Him.
Here are 15 profound reasons why God cannot be bribed and why this should be a freeing and life-giving fact for the believer.
God’s Justice Is Perfect
“For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes.” – Deuteronomy 10:17
Unlike human judges who may act favorably for personal benefit, God’s justice is faultless. He is abstract and does not compromise His standard for any man. This means that every decision He makes is based on truth, equity, and justice.
How comforting it feels to know God cannot be bribed; thus, His verdicts will always be right and just.
He Owns Everything
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” – Psalm 24.1
What can we give to God that He does not own? All money and talents, as well as every other possession, come to us from Him. Men cannot succeed in bribing God with material things because God is the Creator and owner of all. Instead, God wants our obedience and gratitude rather than our offering a bribe to Him.
God Sees the Heart
“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7
While man often is impressed with outward actions or appearances, God goes straight to the heart. He looks beyond our actions and knows our true motives. A bribe depends upon superficial gestures; God values authenticity and sincerity. If our intentions are self-serving, He sees right through them.
He Is Not Impressed with Any Man’s Power or Status
“It is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s.” – 1 Samuel 17:47
In human society, power and status often determine clout, but to God, they mean absolutely nothing. King or commoner – the distinction makes no difference with God. It is not the titles that perplex Him nor the feats that sway Him, but look at one’s faith and humility.
God Cannot Be Manipulated Through Religious Rituals
“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice.” – 1 Samuel 15:22
Some people in biblical times believed God could be appeased with sacrifices alone. However, God made it plain then, as He does today, that obedience and a right heart count far more than ritual. Today, religious acts such as attending church or giving offerings have merit, but they are absolutely nothing if they are done with wrong motives or to manipulate God in some way.
His Mercy Is Inconceivable
“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” – Hebrews 8:12
God’s mercy cannot be bought or compromised; it is an unconditional gift given to those who come to Him in genuine repentance. Unlike human systems, where mercy might depend on influence or negotiation, God’s mercy is an act of an outpouring from such an infinite area of love and grace, welcomed by everyone coming to Him with a contrite heart.
God’s Love Is Unconditional
“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
Human love is usually conditional, but God’s is unwavering. He loves us all just because that is the kind of person He is, not because of anything we do or give or because of what He gets from us. This shows that we don’t need to bribe Him with something or do good so that He will be pleased; His love is free.
He Hates Corruption
“Cursed is anyone who accepts a bribe to kill an innocent person.” – Deuteronomy 27:25
God detests bribery and corruption because they mock justice, especially to the vulnerable. In every instance of corruption, God condemns it through the Word, declaring that His kingdom is established on righteousness and truth. He has called His people to reflect this integrity in their lives.
God Is Unchanging
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” – Hebrews 13:8
Whereas bribery seeks to change a decision, God’s character and will do not change. He does not change His standards to suit the situation or because of human beings’ persuasion. His unchanging nature gives us stability and surety of His actions according to His perfect will.
He Values Humility Over Sacrifice
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” – James 4:10
Prideful attempts to buy God’s favor by bribery only pull us further from Him. God loves the lowly and the meek. He exalts and blesses us to unimaginable levels when we approach Him with the realization of our dependence on Him.
God Is Not Impressed by Material Wealth
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.” – Matthew 6:19
Wealth may have its way in earthly matters, but it means nothing regarding standing with God. His kingdom is not about material riches but spiritual treasures. To offer Him wealth as some form of bribe utterly misses the point that He wants a heart wholeheartedly yielded to Him.
He Judges Impartially
“For God does not show favoritism.” – Romans 2:11
God is fair in that He does not show favoritism to anyone, either by bribes or gifts. His judgments are according to His righteous standards, and He treats all people equally. This is the foundation of His perfect justice.
His Will Is Supreme
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” – Proverbs 19:21
No amount of bribery can alter God’s sovereign plan. His will is perfect and unfolds according to His timing. Our role is to trust Him, knowing His purposes are always for our good and His glory.
True Worship Comes from Obedience
“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and truth.” – John 4:23
God wants true worship that begins with a relationship with Him. It is false to think that bribery, even in the form of excessive praise or offerings, will make any difference if it is not accompanied by a life of obedience and dedication.
Salvation Is Not an Exchange, but a Gift
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9
The ultimate gift of His grace is salvation, not something to be earned or purchased. A bribe implies some sort of transaction, while God’s grace moves within the realm of love and generosity. Our faith in Christ secures our salvation, not an offer of something in return.
The Unshakable Integrity of God
God’s incorruptible nature is the building block of our faith: His justice, love, and mercy are perfect and never wavering. This gives us the assurance that humans’ scheming cannot sway God.
In a world where fairness often seems compromised, His integrity can be trusted. He calls us to come before Him – not with bribes or bargains but with a heart of humility and obedience. That truth sets us free because it causes us to realize and remember that our relationship with God is one based on grace, love, and faith – not on some kind of transaction.
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Susan is a mother of four beautiful babies and a born-again Christian. She took over Hope No Matter What in 2024 and enjoys sharing her knowledge of the goodness and faithfulness of God. Her passion is to bring hope and encouragement to others, and she prays that by sharing her knowledge and personal story, she can inspire others to find enlightenment in God's word.