Why does Hesiod criticize bribery in Works and Days?

In his poem Works and Days, Hesiod criticizes bribery because it is a form of injustice that violates the moral order established by Zeus.1

Hesiod addresses the poem to his brother, Perses, who used guile and bribery to secure an unfair share of their inheritance and sought to gain further advantages through similar dishonest means. Hesiod condemns these actions, arguing that such behavior is a manifestation of hubris—an excess that ignores the proper boundaries of one's moira (fate or allotted share).12

For Hesiod, justice (Dike) is a sacred principle, and he maintains an unshakable belief in its power against the corruption of his contemporaries. He urges Perses to abandon these schemes and instead pursue prosperity through strenuous, persistent, and honest labor. By emphasizing that hard work is the only legitimate path to distinction, Hesiod promotes a moral life that respects divine order and avoids the destructive consequences of greed and injustice.12