Corruption

A state of spiritual decay and moral dishonesty, arising from the effects of sin, which expresses itself in disobedience towards God.

Corruption of nature as a result of the fall

Genesis 6:11

Now the earth was corrupt in the sight of God, and full of violence.

Sinful humanity is corrupt

Isaiah 1:4; Acts 2:40 See also Deuteronomy 32:20; Job 15:16; Psalm 14:1–3 parallel Psalm 53:1–3; Proverbs 4:24, Proverbs 6:12; Hosea 9:9; Philippians 2:15; Titus 1:15–16

Alas, O sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a brood of evildoers, children who act corruptly! They have forsaken the LORD; they have despised the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on Him.

With many other words he testified, and he urged them, “Be saved from this corrupt generation.”

The gospel breaks the power of corruption

2 Peter 1:4 See also 2 Corinthians 7:1–2; 2 Peter 2:20; Jude 1:23

Through these He has given us His precious and magnificent promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, now that you have escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

Examples and causes of corruption

Corruption as injustice

Psalm 55:23 See also 2 Chronicles 19:7; Job 5:16; Isaiah 58:6; Ezekiel 9:9

But You, O God, will bring them down to the Pit of destruction; men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days. But I will trust in You.

Disobedience towards God

Deuteronomy 31:29 See also Deuteronomy 32:5; Judges 2:19

For I know that after my death you will become utterly corrupt and turn from the path I have commanded you. And in the days to come, disaster will befall you because you will do evil in the sight of the LORD to provoke Him to anger by the work of your hands.”

Denying the truth

1 Timothy 6:5

Paganism

Ezra 9:11

Mocking justice

Proverbs 19:28

A corrupt witness mocks justice, and a wicked mouth swallows iniquity.

Taking bribes

See also Ecclesiastes 7:7

Bad company

1 Corinthians 15:33

Careless talk

James 3:5–6 See also Proverbs 4:24, Proverbs 6:12

In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.