"He Who Hates Bribes Will Live"

As Alexander discovered, Bible truth can move a person to overcome corruption. He made changes in harmony with what the apostle Paul says in his letter to the Ephesians: "Put away the old personality which conforms you to your former course of conduct and which is being corrupted according to his deceptive desires; . .You should be made  new in the force actuating your mind, and should put on the new personality which  was created according to God's will in true righteousness and loyalty.  Wherefore, now that you have put away falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, because we are members belonging to one another.  Let the stealer steal no more, but rather let him do hard work, doing with his hands what is good work,  that he may have something to distribute to someone in need." (Ephesians 4:22-25, 28)  The very future of mankind depends on such transformations.

Left unchecked, greed and corruption can ruin the earth, just as they contributed to the ruin of the Roman Empire. Happily, though, the Creator of mankind does not plan to leave such matters to chance. He has determined "to bring to ruin those ruining the earth." (Revelation 11:18) And Jehovah promises those who long for a world free from corruption that shortly there will come "new heavens and a new earth . . . and in these righteousness is to dwell." -2 Peter 3:13.

True, it may not be easy to live by honest standards today. Nevertheless, Jehovah assures us that in the long run,  "a greedy man brings trouble to his family, but he who hates bribes will live." (Proverbs 15:27, NIV) by renouncing corruption now, we show sincerity when we pray to God: "Let your kingdom come.  Let your will take place as in heaven, also upon the earth." -Matthew 6:10.

While we wait for that Kingdom to act, each one of us can 'sow seed in righteousness' by refusing to condone or practice corruption.  (Hosea 10:12)  If we do so, our lives too will testify to the power of the inspired Word of God.  The Sword of the spirit can conquer corruption.

Next time: FIRMLY UPHOLD GODLY TEACHING

The Watchtower, 2000