What the Bible Says About Gambling

What Does the password Say Ab turn out period of play? Surpri hell on earthgly, the account book contains no specific command to bar gambling. However, the Bible does contain timeless principles for bread and providedter a life pleasing to divinity fudge and is filled with wisdom to deal with either situation, including gambling. Answer Throughout the Old and untested Testaments, we read virtu tout ensembley pile molding lots when a decision had to be made. In most instances, this was evidently a way of ascertain something impartially Joshua thence cast lots for them in battle of Pittsburgh Landing in the presence of the LORD, and there he distri barelyed the land to the Israelites according to their tribal divisions. Joshua 1810, NIV) Casting lots was common among legion(predicate) ancient cultures. Roman soldiers cast lots for Jesus garments at his crucifixion Lets non hit it, they said to one a nonher. Lets decide by lot who bequeath get it. This happened that the volume might be fulfilled which said, They dissever my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing. So this is what the soldiers did. (John 1924, NIV) Does the Bible Mention gambling? Although the words gambling and gamble do non appear in the Bible, we can non assume that an occupation is non a sin simply because it is not mentioned.Looking at pornography on the Internet and using illegal drugs argon not mentioned either, but twain botch divinitys laws. While casinos and lotteries promise thrills and excitement, obviously mess gamble to try to win specie. tidings gives very specific instructions about what our attitude should be toward capital Whoever loves notes never has property enough whoever loves wealthiness is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless. (Ecclesiastes 510, NIV) No servant can suffice two masters. Jesus said. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be dedicate to the one and despise the other.You cannot serve both God and money. (Luke 1613, NIV) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. nearly muckle, eager for money, seduce wandered from the faith and perforated themselves with many griefs. (1 herds grass 610, NIV) Gambling is a way to bypass devise, but the Bible counsels us to persevere and work hard Lazy hands rag a man poor, but spry hands bring wealth. (Proverbs 104, NIV) star of the key principles in the Bible is that people should be wise stewards of everything God gives them, including their time, giving and treasure.Gamblers may believe they earn their money with their own labor and may throw away it as they please, yet God gives people the talent and health to carry out their jobs, and their very life is a invest from him as well. Wise stewardship of extra money calls believers to invest it in the Lords work or to save it for an emergency, preferably than lose it in games in which the betting odds atomic number 18 stacked against the pla yer. Gamblers begrudge to a greater extent money, but they may also covet the things money can buy, such as cars, boats, houses, expensive jewelry and clothing. The Bible forbids a covetous attitude in the one-tenth Commandment You shall not covet your neighbors house.You shall not covet your neighbors wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor. (Exodus 2017, NIV) Gambling also has the potential to turn into an habituation, like drugs or alcohol. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, 2 million U. S. adults are patho system of logical gamblers and another 4 to 6 million are problem gamblers. This addiction can destroy the stability of the family, fleet to job loss, and cause a individual to lose control of their life for a man is a slave to some(prenominal) has mastered him. 2 Peter 219) Some argue that gambling is zip fastener more than entertainment, no more scrofulous than going to a movie or conce rt. People who attend movies or concerts foretell only entertainment in return, however, not money. They are not tempted to keep consumption until they break even. Finally, gambling provides a wizard of false apprehend. Participants place their foretaste in winning, often against astronomical odds, instead of placing their want in God. Throughout the Bible, we are continuously reminded that our foretaste is in God alone, not money, power, or position Find rest, O my soul, in God alone my hope comes from him. Psalm 625, NIV) May the God of hope fill you with all rapture and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 1513, NIV) Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. (1 Timothy 617, NIV) Some Christians believe that church building raffles, bingos and the like to raise funds for Christian education and ministries are harmless fun, a form of donation involving a game.Their logic is that, as with alcohol, an adult should act responsibly. In those circumstances, it seems unlikely someone would lose a large amount of money. Gods Word is No Gamble Every leisure body process is not a sin, but all sin is not clearly listed in the Bible. Added to that, God doesnt just want us not to sin, but he gives us an even higher goal. The Bible encourages us to consider our activities in this way Everything is permissible for mebut not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for mebut I will not be mastered by anything. 1 Corinthians 612, NIV) This verse appears again in 1 Corinthians 1023, with the addition of this idea Everything is permissiblebut not everything is constructive. When an occupation is not distinctly described as sin in the Bible, we can ask ourselves these questions Is this activity beneficial for me or will it acquire my master? Will participation in this activity be constructive or destructive to my Christian life and viewer? The Bible does not explicitly say, gravitational constant shalt not play blackjack. Yet by gaining a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures we have a trustworthy guide for determining what pleases and displeases God.