What Does the Bible Say About Corrupt Politics?

Romans 13:1-7 ESV / 7 helpful votes

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. ...

Romans 13:4 ESV / 6 helpful votes

For he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer.

Acts 5:29 ESV / 6 helpful votes

But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.

Matthew 22:21 ESV / 4 helpful votes

They said, “Caesar's.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.”

Matthew 5:39 ESV / 4 helpful votes

But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.

1 Peter 2:17 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

James 4:11 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.

James 4:1 ESV / 3 helpful votes

What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?

1 Timothy 2:1-2 ESV / 3 helpful votes

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

Ephesians 4:29 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Ephesians 2:1-22 ESV / 3 helpful votes

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— ...

Romans 13:7 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

Romans 13:6 ESV / 3 helpful votes

For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing.

Romans 13:5 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience.

Romans 13:3-4 ESV / 3 helpful votes

For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer.

Romans 13:2 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.

Romans 10:1-21 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. ...

Acts 1:8 ESV / 3 helpful votes

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

John 16:11 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

John 3:1-36 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. ...

Luke 19:13 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’

Mark 16:15 ESV / 3 helpful votes

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

Matthew 28:18-20 ESV / 3 helpful votes

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 14:3-5 ESV / 3 helpful votes

For Herod had seized John and bound him and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because John had been saying to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” And though he wanted to put him to death, he feared the people, because they held him to be a prophet.

Matthew 5:13-14 ESV / 3 helpful votes

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

2 Samuel 12:7 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Nathan said to David, “You are the man! Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul.

Revelation 12:9 ESV / 2 helpful votes

And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.

Revelation 2:2 ESV / 2 helpful votes

“‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false.

1 John 5:19 ESV / 2 helpful votes

We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.

1 John 4:1 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.

2 Peter 2:12 ESV / 2 helpful votes

But these, like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed, blaspheming about matters of which they are ignorant, will also be destroyed in their destruction,

1 Peter 3:10 ESV / 2 helpful votes

For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit;

1 Peter 2:13-15 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.

Titus 3:1 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,

Ephesians 6:13 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

Ephesians 6:12 ESV / 2 helpful votes

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

2 Corinthians 4:4 ESV / 2 helpful votes

In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

1 Corinthians 15:33 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”

Romans 13:1 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.

Romans 6:23 ESV / 2 helpful votes

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Acts 20:28 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.

John 18:36 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”

John 14:30 ESV / 2 helpful votes

I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me,

John 12:31 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out.

John 3:16 ESV / 2 helpful votes

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16-17 ESV / 2 helpful votes

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Luke 4:6 ESV / 2 helpful votes

And said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will.

Matthew 15:14 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.”

Matthew 7:21-23 ESV / 2 helpful votes

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

Matthew 7:14 ESV / 2 helpful votes

For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

Matthew 7:13 ESV / 2 helpful votes

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.

Matthew 6:33 ESV / 2 helpful votes

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Matthew 6:9-10 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Daniel 4:17 ESV / 2 helpful votes

The sentence is by the decree of the watchers, the decision by the word of the holy ones, to the end that the living may know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will and sets over it the lowliest of men.’

Daniel 2:21 ESV / 2 helpful votes

He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;

Proverbs 31:1-31 ESV / 2 helpful votes

The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him: What are you doing, my son? What are you doing, son of my womb? What are you doing, son of my vows? Do not give your strength to women, your ways to those who destroy kings. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink, lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted. ...

Proverbs 29:12 ESV / 2 helpful votes

If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked.

Proverbs 28:16 ESV / 2 helpful votes

A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor, but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.

Proverbs 20:19 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.

Psalm 23:1-6 ESV / 2 helpful votes

A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. ...

Leviticus 19:16 ESV / 2 helpful votes

You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not stand up against the life of your neighbor: I am the Lord.

61 Bible Verses about Corrupt Politics

Romans 13:1-7 ESV / 7 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 13:4 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Acts 5:29 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 22:21 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 5:39 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Peter 2:17 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

James 4:11 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

James 4:1 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Timothy 2:1-2 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 4:29 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 2:1-22 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 13:7 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 13:6 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 13:5 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 13:3-4 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 13:2 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 10:1-21 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Acts 1:8 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 16:11 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 3:1-36 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Luke 19:13 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Mark 16:15 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 28:18-20 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 14:3-5 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 5:13-14 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Samuel 12:7 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Revelation 12:9 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Revelation 2:2 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 John 5:19 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 John 4:1 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Peter 2:12 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Peter 3:10 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Peter 2:13-15 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Titus 3:1 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 6:13 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 6:12 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Corinthians 4:4 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Corinthians 15:33 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 13:1 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 6:23 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Acts 20:28 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 18:36 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 14:30 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 12:31 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 3:16 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 3:16-17 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Luke 4:6 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 15:14 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 7:21-23 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 7:14 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 7:13 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 6:33 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 6:9-10 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Daniel 4:17 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Daniel 2:21 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 31:1-31 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 29:12 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 28:16 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 20:19 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 23:1-6 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Leviticus 19:16 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

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