What does the Bible say about gambling? Actually, the Bible does not directly address gambling. However, we can derive a number of principles from scripture.
First, notice the contrast between the Bible and gambling. The Bible emphasizes the sovereignty of God (Matt. 10:29-30), while gambling is based upon chance. The Bible admonishes us to work creatively and for the benefit of others (Eph. 4:28), while gambling fosters a “something for nothing” attitude. The Bible condemns materialism (Matt. 6:24-25) while gambling promotes it.
Let’s also look at the “fruits” of gambling. First, gambling breeds a form of covetousness. The Tenth Commandment (Exodus 20) admonishes us not to covet.Coveting, greed, and selfishness are the base emotions that entice us to gamble. I believe Christians should be concerned about gambling if for no other reason than the effect it has on the weaker brother and how it will affect the compulsive gambler. State-sponsored gambling makes it harder for the compulsive gambler to reform. Legalized gambling becomes an institutionalized form of greed.
Second, gambling destroys the work ethic. Two key biblical passages deal with the work ethic. In Colossians 3:23-24 the Apostle Paul says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
And in 2 Thessalonians 3:7,10, he says, “For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. . . .For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: If a man will not work, he shall not eat.”
Third, gambling destroys families. Gambling is a major cause of family neglect.Many of the social costs associated with gambling come from its mindset.As people get caught up in a gambling frenzy, they begin to neglect their families. As Christians, I believe we must stand against society’s attempts to legalize gambling.
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Im sure you have the best of intensions and I dont doubt your sincerity. But I feel you approach the quetion of gambling with the assumption that it is sinful and then apply your own reasoning to scriptures to make your point. Gambling is as old as history and every civilazation had those that participated. With such widesread activity, and if it is sinful to practise, it seems very strange that God would never address it anywhere in scripture. To take a chance is not sin, it is a part of life. We have very few garrentees. However to act without all the facts and take a chance is not wrong or sinful.It is done all the time. Stocks, retirement plans, comodities markets, business ventures, real estate...they all depend on those involved making decisions without the benifit of ALL the facts. Taking chances are a part of life. Its unavoidable. To single out one aspect, namely gambling, and say that somehow it's different is irresponsable. To say "God said.." when He didnt is just wrong. Click here to reply to this post
I agree with all that has been said in this article, but I would caution against generalizing an entire population with its conclusions. There are many who gamble purely for recreational purposes: they will alot only so much money for that purpose, and when it is gone, they quit. Another aspect of gambling is in the form of insurance companies that we often don't think of as gambling. None the less, that is exactly what is going on with insurance companies who are playing the odds that only a certain number of their customers will need help. This is not necessarily bad, but its existence often drives up the cost of medical expenses or auto repairs. It, like any form of gambling, is dishonest. There is no real value associated with inflated costs, nor is there any real value associated with money gained from gambling of any sort. George Cancilla Click here to reply to this post
Re: Re: Gambling
Posted On: 10/12/07 09:12:11 PM
Age 64, OH
I do not think that insurance companies are gambling. If they do, why do they almost all make money. Insurance is simply the pooling of risk so one can stand a little lose(the premium) so as not to take a large lose ( your house). Most gamblers lose money in the long run. Insurance companies do not. How many homes have been broken up by someone paying insurance premiums. Recreational gambling: isn't that like just a little sin. Someone thinks they know when to stop sinning. If you play with fire you can get burnt. Many people thought they could control some sin only to find that it had made them it's slave. You are a slave to whatever you obey, that is what the scripture says. How can any Christian justify supporting such a sinful industry when there are children starving. We are to do everything that the Holy Spirit leads us to do and NOTHING that he does not tell us to do. I can not believe that the Holy Spirit ever lead someone to gamble. If the Holy Spirit did not lead us to do something then it is sin. Years ago when I was 40 I bought a lottery ticket for $1; I was so convicted and full of sorrow I never bought another one since. Lou Click here to reply to this post
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