Childlikeness

Synopsis

An attitude of simple trust and faith, to be distinguished from childishness. It is commended by Scripture as an appropriate attitude for the believer to take towards God.

God treats his people like children

Ps 103:13

Psalm 103:13 (NASB95) — 13 Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.

See also Nu 11:12; Is 49:15; Is 66:13; Je 31:20; Ho 11:1–4; Ro 8:14–17; Ga 4:1–7

Numbers 11:12 (NASB95) — 12 “Was it I who conceived all this people? Was it I who brought them forth, that You should say to me, ‘Carry them in your bosom as a nurse carries a nursing infant, to the land which You swore to their fathers’?

Isaiah 49:15 (NASB95) — 15 “Can a woman forget her nursing child And have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you.

Isaiah 66:13 (NASB95) — 13 “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; And you will be comforted in Jerusalem.”

Jeremiah 31:20 (NASB95) — 20 “Is Ephraim My dear son? Is he a delightful child? Indeed, as often as I have spoken against him, I certainly still remember him; Therefore My heart yearns for him; I will surely have mercy on him,” declares the Lord.

Hosea 11:1–4 (NASB95) — 1 When Israel was a youth I loved him, And out of Egypt I called My son. 2 The more they called them, The more they went from them; They kept sacrificing to the Baals And burning incense to idols. 3 Yet it is I who taught Ephraim to walk, I took them in My arms; But they did not know that I healed them. 4 I led them with cords of a man, with bonds of love, And I became to them as one who lifts the yoke from their jaws; And I bent down and fed them.

Romans 8:14–17 (NASB95) — 14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

Galatians 4:1–7 (NASB95) — 1 Now I say, as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave although he is owner of everything, 2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by the father. 3 So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental things of the world. 4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, 5 so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. 6 Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.

God’s people should respond to God as children to a parent

In trust

Ps 131:2

Psalm 131:2 (NASB95) — 2 Surely I have composed and quieted my soul; Like a weaned child rests against his mother, My soul is like a weaned child within me.

In obedience

1 Pe 1:14

1 Peter 1:14 (NASB95) — 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance,

In humility

Lk 9:46–48

Luke 9:46–48 (NASB95) — 46 An argument started among them as to which of them might be the greatest. 47 But Jesus, knowing what they were thinking in their heart, took a child and stood him by His side, 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me; for the one who is least among all of you, this is the one who is great.”

See also 1 Ki 3:7 Solomon

1 Kings 3:7 (NASB95) — 7 “Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king in place of my father David, yet I am but a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in.

In innocence

Mk 10:13–15

Mark 10:13–15 (NASB95) — 13 And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, “Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 “Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.”

See also Lk 10:21

Luke 10:21 (NASB95) — 21 At that very time He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and said, “I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight.

In imitating a model

Eph 5:1–2

Ephesians 5:1–2 (NASB95) — 1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.

See also 1 Jn 3:10

1 John 3:10 (NASB95) — 10 By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother.

Childlikeness is reflected in pastoral care

1 Th 2:7

1 Thessalonians 2:7 (NASB95) — 7 But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children.

See also 1 Jn 2:28

1 John 2:28 (NASB95) — 28 Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming.

Childlikeness is to be distinguished from immature childishness

1 Co 3:1–3

1 Corinthians 3:1–3 (NASB95) — 1 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, 3 for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men?

See also Heb 5:12–6:1

Hebrews 5:12–6:1 (NASB95) — 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil. 1 Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,

Acceptance, human

Synopsis

The response of human beings to the revelation and grace of God. It is seen in receiving Jesus Christ, his words and the message of the gospel, and in the acceptance of one another for his sake. Believers are called, too, to accept instruction and discipline and to submit to God’s will for their lives.

Human beings are to accept Jesus Christ

Receiving Jesus Christ

Jn 1:12

John 1:12 (NASB95) — 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,

See also Col 2:6

Colossians 2:6 (NASB95) — 6 Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,

Accepting Jesus Christ by accepting others

Jn 13:20

John 13:20 (NASB95) — 20 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.”

See also Mt 10:40; Mt 18:5; Lk 10:16; Jn 12:44

Matthew 10:40 (NASB95) — 40 “He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.

Matthew 18:5 (NASB95) — 5 “And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me;

Luke 10:16 (NASB95) — 16 “The one who listens to you listens to Me, and the one who rejects you rejects Me; and he who rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me.”

John 12:44 (NASB95) — 44 And Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in Me, does not believe in Me but in Him who sent Me.

Accepting Jesus Christ’s words

Jn 17:8

John 17:8 (NASB95) — 8 for the words which You gave Me I have given to them; and they received them and truly understood that I came forth from You, and they believed that You sent Me.

See also Mt 11:14; Mt 19:11–12; Jn 3:33–34

Matthew 11:14 (NASB95) — 14 “And if you are willing to accept it, John himself is Elijah who was to come.

Matthew 19:11–12 (NASB95) — 11 But He said to them, “Not all men can accept this statement, but only those to whom it has been given. 12 “For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb; and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men; and there are also eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. He who is able to accept this, let him accept it.”

John 3:33–34 (NASB95) — 33 “He who has received His testimony has set his seal to this, that God is true. 34 “For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for He gives the Spirit without measure.

Refusing to accept Jesus Christ and his words

Jn 1:11; Jn 3:11; Jn 3:32; Jn 5:43–44; Jn 6:60

John 1:11 (NASB95) — 11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him.

John 3:11 (NASB95) — 11 “Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know and testify of what we have seen, and you do not accept our testimony.

John 3:32 (NASB95) — 32 “What He has seen and heard, of that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony.

John 5:43–44 (NASB95) — 43 “I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, you will receive him. 44 “How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God?

John 6:60 (NASB95) — 60 Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this said, “This is a difficult statement; who can listen to it?”

Acceptance of the gospel

The gospel is worthy of acceptance

1 Ti 1:15; Jas 1:21

1 Timothy 1:15 (NASB95) — 15 It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.

James 1:21 (NASB95) — 21 Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.

See also Mt 13:23; 1 Co 15:3; 1 Ti 4:9–10

Matthew 13:23 (NASB95) — 23 “And the one on whom seed was sown on the good soil, this is the man who hears the word and understands it; who indeed bears fruit and brings forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty.”

1 Corinthians 15:3 (NASB95) — 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,

1 Timothy 4:9–10 (NASB95) — 9 It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. 10 For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.

Examples of those accepting the gospel

Ac 2:41 3,000 on the day of Pentecost; Ac 8:14 the Samaritans; Ac 11:1 the Gentiles

Acts 2:41 (NASB95) — 41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.

Acts 8:14 (NASB95) — 14 Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John,

Acts 11:1 (NASB95) — 1 Now the apostles and the brethren who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God.

Believers in Corinth:

1 Co 15:1; 2 Co 11:4

1 Corinthians 15:1 (NASB95) — 1 Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand,

2 Corinthians 11:4 (NASB95) — 4 For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully.

Ga 1:9 believers in Galatia

Galatians 1:9 (NASB95) — 9 As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!

Believers in Thessalonica:

1 Th 1:6; 2 Th 2:13

1 Thessalonians 1:6 (NASB95) — 6 You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit,

2 Thessalonians 2:13 (NASB95) — 13 But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.

Rejection of the gospel

Ac 22:18; Ro 11:15; 1 Co 2:14

Acts 22:18 (NASB95) — 18 and I saw Him saying to me, ‘Make haste, and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about Me.’

Romans 11:15 (NASB95) — 15 For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?

1 Corinthians 2:14 (NASB95) — 14 But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.

Acceptance of one another

A right self-acceptance

1 Co 15:10 Paul accepts himself as a sinner saved by God’s grace and entrusted with an important ministry; Ga 5:14 Loving others requires a proper self-love: the recognition that people are made in God’s image and are the objects of his love.

1 Corinthians 15:10 (NASB95) — 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.

Galatians 5:14 (NASB95) — 14 For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

See also Le 19:18; Mt 22:39; Mk 12:33; Ro 13:9; 1 Ti 1:12–14; Jas 2:8

Leviticus 19:18 (NASB95) — 18 ‘You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the Lord.

Matthew 22:39 (NASB95) — 39 “The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

Mark 12:33 (NASB95) — 33 and to love Him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as himself, is much more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

Romans 13:9 (NASB95) — 9 For this, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

1 Timothy 1:12–14 (NASB95) — 12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, 13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; 14 and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus.

James 2:8 (NASB95) — 8 If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.

Acceptance of one another because of God’s example

Ro 15:7

Romans 15:7 (NASB95) — 7 Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.

See also Jn 13:34; Jn 15:12

John 13:34 (NASB95) — 34 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

John 15:12 (NASB95) — 12 “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.

Acceptance of those whom God has accepted

Ro 14:1

Romans 14:1 (NASB95) — 1 Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions.

See also Dt 10:18–19 God’s people should reflect his concern for the weak and defenceless; Mt 19:13–14 Jesus Christ rebukes his disciples for turning away children.

Deuteronomy 10:18–19 (NASB95) — 18 “He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the alien by giving him food and clothing. 19 “So show your love for the alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.

Matthew 19:13–14 (NASB95) — 13 Then some children were brought to Him so that He might lay His hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, “Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Ananias’ acceptance of Saul:

Ac 9:11–17; Ac 22:12–13

Acts 9:11–17 (NASB95) — 11 And the Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him, so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he did to Your saints at Jerusalem; 14 and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; 16 for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake.” 17 So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 22:12–13 (NASB95) — 12 “A certain Ananias, a man who was devout by the standard of the Law, and well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, 13 came to me, and standing near said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight!’ And at that very time I looked up at him.

Ac 9:27 Barnabas’ acceptance of Saul

Acts 9:27 (NASB95) — 27 But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus.

Acceptance of the Gentiles:

Ac 10:15; Ac 10:28; Ac 10:47

Acts 10:15 (NASB95) — 15 Again a voice came to him a second time, “What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.”

Acts 10:28 (NASB95) — 28 And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a man who is a Jew to associate with a foreigner or to visit him; and yet God has shown me that I should not call any man unholy or unclean.

Acts 10:47 (NASB95) — 47 “Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?”

Acceptance of outsiders who join God’s people

Le 19:33–34

Leviticus 19:33–34 (NASB95) — 33 ‘When a stranger resides with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. 34 ‘The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt; I am the Lord your God.

See also Eze 47:22–23

Ezekiel 47:22–23 (NASB95) — 22 “You shall divide it by lot for an inheritance among yourselves and among the aliens who stay in your midst, who bring forth sons in your midst. And they shall be to you as the native-born among the sons of Israel; they shall be allotted an inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel. 23 “And in the tribe with which the alien stays, there you shall give him his inheritance,” declares the Lord God.

Acceptance of itinerant ministers

Ga 4:14

Galatians 4:14 (NASB95) — 14 and that which was a trial to you in my bodily condition you did not despise or loathe, but you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus Himself.

See also 1 Co 16:10–11; Php 2:29–30

1 Corinthians 16:10–11 (NASB95) — 10 Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without cause to be afraid, for he is doing the Lord’s work, as I also am. 11 So let no one despise him. But send him on his way in peace, so that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brethren.

Philippians 2:29–30 (NASB95) — 29 Receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and hold men like him in high regard; 30 because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was deficient in your service to me.

Acceptance of things given

Acceptance of gifts

1 Sa 25:35

1 Samuel 25:35 (NASB95) — 35 So David received from her hand what she had brought him and said to her, “Go up to your house in peace. See, I have listened to you and granted your request.”

See also Ge 33:10–11; 1 Sa 10:4; 1 Ti 4:3–4

Genesis 33:10–11 (NASB95) — 10 Jacob said, “No, please, if now I have found favor in your sight, then take my present from my hand, for I see your face as one sees the face of God, and you have received me favorably. 11 “Please take my gift which has been brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me and because I have plenty.” Thus he urged him and he took it.

1 Samuel 10:4 (NASB95) — 4 and they will greet you and give you two loaves of bread, which you will accept from their hand.

1 Timothy 4:3–4 (NASB95) — 3 men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude;

Refusal to accept gifts

Ge 14:23–24 Abraham refuses gifts offered by the king of Sodom; 2 Ki 5:15–16 Elisha refuses a gift offered by Naaman; Es 4:4 Mordecai refuses fine clothes from Esther.

Genesis 14:23–24 (NASB95) — 23 that I will not take a thread or a sandal thong or anything that is yours, for fear you would say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ 24 “I will take nothing except what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their share.”

2 Kings 5:15–16 (NASB95) — 15 When he returned to the man of God with all his company, and came and stood before him, he said, “Behold now, I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel; so please take a present from your servant now.” 16 But he said, “As the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will take nothing.” And he urged him to take it, but he refused.

Esther 4:4 (NASB95) — 4 Then Esther’s maidens and her eunuchs came and told her, and the queen writhed in great anguish. And she sent garments to clothe Mordecai that he might remove his sackcloth from him, but he did not accept them.

Acceptance of instruction

Job 22:22; Pr 4:10; Pr 10:8; Pr 19:20; Is 29:24

Job 22:22 (NASB95) — 22 “Please receive instruction from His mouth And establish His words in your heart.

Proverbs 4:10 (NASB95) — 10 Hear, my son, and accept my sayings And the years of your life will be many.

Proverbs 10:8 (NASB95) — 8 The wise of heart will receive commands, But a babbling fool will be ruined.

Proverbs 19:20 (NASB95) — 20 Listen to counsel and accept discipline, That you may be wise the rest of your days.

Isaiah 29:24 (NASB95) — 24 “Those who err in mind will know the truth, And those who criticize will accept instruction.

Acceptance of discipline

Job 5:17

Job 5:17 (NASB95) — 17 “Behold, how happy is the man whom God reproves, So do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.

See also Dt 21:18; Ps 94:12; Pr 3:11–12; Pr 10:17; Heb 12:5–7; Re 3:19

Deuteronomy 21:18 (NASB95) — 18 “If any man has a stubborn and rebellious son who will not obey his father or his mother, and when they chastise him, he will not even listen to them,

Psalm 94:12 (NASB95) — 12 Blessed is the man whom You chasten, O Lord, And whom You teach out of Your law;

Proverbs 3:11–12 (NASB95) — 11 My son, do not reject the discipline of the Lord Or loathe His reproof, 12 For whom the Lord loves He reproves, Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.

Proverbs 10:17 (NASB95) — 17 He is on the path of life who heeds instruction, But he who ignores reproof goes astray.

Hebrews 12:5–7 (NASB95) — 5 and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, Nor faint when you are reproved by Him; 6 For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, And He scourges every son whom He receives.” 7 It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?

Revelation 3:19 (NASB95) — 19 ‘Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.

Acceptance of God’s will

Mt 26:39

Matthew 26:39 (NASB95) — 39 And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.”

See also Job 2:10; Ps 40:8; Is 50:5; Ro 8:28

Job 2:10 (NASB95) — 10 But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

Psalm 40:8 (NASB95) — 8 I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart.”

Isaiah 50:5 (NASB95) — 5 The Lord God has opened My ear; And I was not disobedient Nor did I turn back.

Romans 8:28 (NASB95) — 28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Acceptance of bribes forbidden

Ex 23:8

Exodus 23:8 (NASB95) — 8 “You shall not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the clear-sighted and subverts the cause of the just.

God is impartial and cannot be bribed:

Dt 10:17; 2 Ch 19:7

Deuteronomy 10:17 (NASB95) — 17 “For the Lord your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe.

2 Chronicles 19:7 (NASB95) — 7 “Now then let the fear of the Lord be upon you; be very careful what you do, for the Lord our God will have no part in unrighteousness or partiality or the taking of a bribe.”

Ps 15:5; Pr 17:23; Is 33:15

Psalm 15:5 (NASB95) — 5 He does not put out his money at interest, Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.

Proverbs 17:23 (NASB95) — 23 A wicked man receives a bribe from the bosom To pervert the ways of justice.

Isaiah 33:15 (NASB95) — 15 He who walks righteously and speaks with sincerity, He who rejects unjust gain And shakes his hands so that they hold no bribe; He who stops his ears from hearing about bloodshed And shuts his eyes from looking upon evil;