Consequences of Corruption

Overshadowed by the fireworks of the Middle East, “The drug war in Mexico was ranked 2016’s second deadliest conflict in the world, with only the war in Syria being labelled worse” (IB Times, May 10, 2017). According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, “The death toll in Mexico’s conflict surpasses those for Afghanistan and Somalia” (ibid.). These deaths are related to the fact that drug cartels gross between $19-29 billion annually, and those profits are due in great part to the demand for drugs in the USA (ibid.).

The widespread corruption among leaders in governments around the world is a key reason why drug cartels are so powerful. The Bible teaches that “If a ruler pays attention to lies, all his servants become wicked” (Proverbs 29:12), but that “A [righteous] king who sits on the throne of judgment scatters all evil with his eyes” (Proverbs 20:8). The deadly conflict in Mexico is only one example of what happens when these basic biblical principles are ignored or forgotten. Scripture reveals that Jesus Christ is going to return to the earth and establish righteous government for all nations, and that when the righteous rule, “the people rejoice” (Proverbs 29:2).  To learn more about this exciting change, read our commentary “When Satan Is Bound for 1,000 Years.”