“And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.”
1 Samuel 8:3
Eli’s sons, though priests, abandoned the path of righteousness. They chose greed over service, bribes over justice, and selfish gain over the fear of God. Their conduct brought reproach to God’s name and judgment upon Israel.
Their story reminds us that heritage, position, or title cannot substitute for personal integrity. Walking with God requires a daily choice to honour Him above all else. Leadership without integrity leads to corruption, and corruption invites divine displeasure.
From Eli’s sons, we learnt that wealth gained through corruption destroys, a good name is more valuable than riches, and leadership in God’s house and in society must be marked by justice, truth, and the fear of God. We must remember that God weighs the heart too, not just outward titles or roles.
Charge: We are called to walk uprightly. Even in a world where compromise seems easier, God still preserves those who remain faithful.
Further Study: Proverbs 11:3, 15:27, 22:1; Micah 6:8; Galatians 6:7; 1 Timothy 5:22b.
