Quote:
Originally Posted by Slippery  Quote:
Originally Posted by Pergamum
I usually follow the advice of local Christians and do what they do...which is to give gifts in most cases.
| you have potentially defaced the gospel here. Whether one likes it or not, these things are largely against the laws in almost all countries.
I know that cultural norms are usually at odds with these laws, but offering gifts is simply breaking the law.
If you are an American the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act permits you to give payments to officials to facilitate routine transactions, but disallows you from offering payments to get businesses and contracts. As an American you are free  but as a Christian you're not. And in regards to local law you are not since it is likely that state officers are magistrates are disallowed from taking payments to do their jobs.
As a brother I would suggest that you desist from these transactions further. When you offer these guys bribes or gifts they already deem you as corrupt and one of them.Third world countries are hell holes of temptations and you literally can get away with any crime as long as you have the right amount of money. |
"Defacing the Gospel" is strong language for someone who barely knows the situations here.
Giving gifts to facilitate transactions (i.e. gifts for service....a tip) seems okay by the FCPA and also by the Scripture;
Proverbs 19:6 - Many seek the favor of a generous man,
and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.
Proverbs 18:16 - A man’s gift makes room for him
and brings him before the great.
Proverbs 17:8 - A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of the one who gives it;
wherever he turns he prospers.
Other pertinent passages ( in which there is almost always a mention of using money to pervert justice, not merely to gain a favor):
Ex 23:8; Job 15:34; 1 Sam 8:3; Ps 26:10; Isa 1:23; 33:15; Ezek 22:12; 1 Sam 12:3; Am 5:12; Am 2:6.
INSTANCES OF
Delilah
Jud 16:5
Samuel's sons
See above
The false prophet, Shemaiah
Ne 6:10-13
Ben-hadad
1Ki 15:19
Haman bribes Ahasuerus to destroy the Jews
Es 3:9
Chief priests bribe Judas
Mt 26:15; 27:3-9; Mr 14:11; Lu 22:5
Soldiers bribed to declare that the disciples stole the body
of Jesus
Mt 28:12-15
Governor Felix seeks a bribe from Paul
Ac 24:26
Proverbs 15 also says that he who hates bribes will live...
If you tip a waiter after his service is done, why not tip BEFORE to ensure that good service will be done?
It appears from the Proverbs that gifts (tips) are okay to give in exchange for service, but that one cannot give or receive anything to subvert justice...Proverbs 17:23, "The wicked accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the ways of justice."
Actually the ANE culture of the Bible seemed to permit things that the US culture would deem as unjust, i.e. exchanging gifts for favor, etc. Are you sure that you are admoinishing me based on the Scripture or your culture?
Further thoughts:
When Jacob met Esau and wanted to curb his wrath, what did he do? Gave a gift. Proverbs 21:14 says, "A gift in secret subdues anger and a bribe in the bosom, strong wrath."
Have you ever given a large tip in anticipation of extra-good service?
Have you ever offered to throw in something extra if processes were expedited (perfectly legal).
When going before the presence of a local ruler, do you see the benefit of giving a gift such as candy from America or a "token of appreciation" for one's new aquaintance?