What Does The Bible Say About Gambling?
Gambling is often thought of as a harmless pastime, but it can also have some serious consequences. While the Bible does not specifically mention gambling, it does speak to the heart of the issue.
While there are no explicit laws against gambling in the Bible, there are several verses that warn against the dangers of greed and covetousness, which can often lead to gambling.
What Does The Bible Say About Gambling?
The Bible does not specifically mention gambling, but it does speak about the love of money and how it can lead us astray. In 1 Timothy 6:10, Paul writes,
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV)
In the Bible, there are principles that can be applied to our lives that will help us make wise decisions about money and possessions. First, we should recognize that everything we have is a gift from God. We are stewards of His resources, and we should use them wisely. Second, we should be content with what we have. We should not allow our possessions to control us or to lead us into debt. And third, we should avoid anything that could become a stronghold in our lives. This would include anything that we are tempted to use in excess or that could cause us to become addicted.
How do Christians interpret the Bible’s stance on gambling?
The Bible does not explicitly discuss gambling, but there are a few principles that can be gleaned from Scripture that may apply to the issue. For example, among other things, Christians are called to avoid greed, which could certainly apply to gambling.
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” Colossians 3:5 (NIV)
Additionally, Christians are to steward their resources wisely, and gambling could be seen as a waste of money that could be better used in other ways.
“Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.” Proverbs 21:5 (NLT)
And Proverbs 13:11 teaches us that wealth gained quickly from gambling will just as quickly disappear, whereas wealth from hard work grows over time.
“Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” Proverbs 13:11 (ESV)
Ultimately, it is up to each Christian to prayerfully consider how they believe the Bible applies to gambling and make their own decisions accordingly. Some Christians may choose to avoid gambling altogether, while others may see it as acceptable in moderation. Whatever the case, it is important to be led by wisdom and discernment in all things.
Is the lottery a sin?
There is no explicit mention of the lottery in the Bible, so it is difficult to say definitively whether or not it is a sin. However, some Christians may argue that it is a form of gambling and thus should be avoided for the reasons mentioned above. Others may see it as harmless fun and not consider it to be an issue worth worrying about.
What should Christians do if they struggle with a gambling addiction or habitually gamble more than they can afford to lose?
If Christians find that they are struggling with a gambling addiction or habitually gambling more than they can afford to lose, they should seek help and accountability from trusted friends or family members. Additionally, there are many helpful resources available from Christian organizations aimed at helping those with gambling addictions. These resources can provide support and guidance on how to overcome an addiction and live in freedom from gambling.
How do these principles apply to our modern world of gambling and casinos?
The principles in the Bible still apply to our modern world of gambling and casinos. Gambling is dangerous because it can lead us to love money more than anything else. When we gamble, we are putting our trust in luck instead of God. We are saying that we believe that money can buy us happiness. This is a dangerous attitude to have because it can lead us to do things that we would not normally do, like steal or cheat.
Are there any exceptions where gambling would be allowed according to the Bible?
There are no explicit exceptions mentioned in the Bible, but some Christians may argue that gambling would be allowed in certain circumstances, such as if the money is used for a good cause or if it is done in moderation. However, there are also Christians who believe that gambling is always wrong, no matter what the circumstances are.
If gambling is wrong, why do some churches have casino nights or bingo games as fundraisers?
There are a few different reasons why churches might have casino nights or bingo games as fundraisers. Some churches may view these activities as harmless forms of entertainment, while others may see them as opportunities to help people in need. Ultimately, each church must make their own decision about whether or not gambling is something they should do.
Conclusion
Gambling is dangerous because it can control us. When we gamble, we often do it more than we should. We can become addicted to gambling and it can take over our lives. We can end up spending all of our time and money on gambling instead of on more important things, like our families or our relationship with God.
The Bible tells us to be content with what we have.
“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 (ESV)
When we are not content with what we have, we are always looking for more. We can become greedy and selfish. Gambling can make us greedy because when we gamble, we are always hoping to win more money. We can end up spending more money than we have and getting into debt. This can ruin our lives and our relationships.
