Psalm 17:4

⁴Though people tried to bribe me, I   have kept myself from the ways of   the violent through what your lips have commanded.  

Several individuals published on social media about attending class reunion. The wife instructed her husband, “When we attend our class reunion, we should display our jewelries. And when they ask about our business, what would you say?” “Contractor!” the timid husband responded. “That’s great! Don’t you ever forget that answer!” the wife warned. Being contractors of government projects has become some sort of mockery in social media. Maybe, they feel helpless because they assume that judges may also be bribed to favor the rich contractors. Bribery is most common disease that corrupted the government. Contractors bribe particular officials to be awarded of government projects. And since contractors spent so much money for bribes, they have to recover their lost money by building mediocre projects.

The Scripture warned against bribes. Bribes pervert justice. Joash was 7 years old when he became king of Judah. He ordered the repair of the temple of the Lord. It says in 2 Kings 12:15, ¹⁵They did not require an accounting from those to whom they gave the money to pay the workers, because they acted with complete honesty. Josiah was 8 years old when he became king of Judah. He also ordered the repair of the temple of the Lord. It says in 2 Kings 22:7, ⁷But they need not account for the money entrusted to them, because they are honest in their dealings.”

Joash and Josiah were the only 2 children who became kings of Judah. They may have been honest so that their officials were also honest at work. By the grace of God, honesty and integrity in the government is not impossible. As children of God, we should regularly pray that God bless our government officials with honesty.

Lord Jesus, bless us with honest governance.

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