Gifts blind the clear-sighted and subvert justice (Exodus 23:8).  In context, that’s statement about bribery, and the word used for “gift” here is almost invariably used for bribes of one sort or another (Deuteronomy 10:17; 16:19; 27:25; 1 Samuel 8:3; 1 Kings 15:29; 16:8; etc.).
Occasionally, the reference seems a bit broader (cf. Psalm 15:5), and in any case, the principle holds even for those who are not judges and princes: Money and promises of money blind us to injustice, and concern for our self-interest can lead us to subvert justice in our economic, social, and other dealings.
We who are rich and have a lot of interests to protect are particularly susceptible to blinding “gifts.”
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
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