Baksheesh

(Proverbs 17:23 KJV)  A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.

A “bribe” (7810) can take many forms.  My first thought on bribes is money under the table in order to get special treatment.  In some parts of the world nothing happens unless there is a little “gratuity” to grease the wheels of government.  When I read novels about the Middle East the term that comes up is “baksheesh”.  It can mean tip, charitable given or corrupt bribery. 

There are many ways in which this takes place without money being involved.  Personal favors can be exchanged or implied such as “you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours”.  Affection and friendship can be used for bribing people.  Praise can be used to manipulate.  Doing charitable work can be nothing but a way to influence others.  The problem with all of this is when it is used to “pervert” (5186) “judgement" (justice NASB) (4941). 

So?  Is it innocent or evil?  Is it benign or malevolent?  You will need to check your heart and consult your owner’s manual to answer that.