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Where In The Bible Does It Say Gambling Is A Sin?

Z

zotah

Member
Where In The Bible Does It Say Gambling Is A Sin?

I've tried to find where in the Bible it says Gambling is a sin and I haven't had much luck. Even doing a word search I never found the word Gamble anywhere in the whole KJV Bible. I've heard that gambling is a sin. Can anyone tell me where in scripture it shows this.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

Thanks,

Zotah
 
Hi there. I may not know the best answers to this question however I would like to give my response unless somebody shines light on the subject and corrects me. I believe gambling is sort of in the alcohol and drugs category. 1. It can be easy to become addicted to it. 2. You can be applying lost and wasted money from gambling into something more of worth and cause, however there are many times we can be spending our money on far more profitable things but dont, sort of like that pack of cookies I bought today that I really dont need, lol. 3. Some people who gamble start to rely on it as a source of income and stop trusting in God in providing their needs for them or are in it for a get rich quick scheme. 4. In general the atmosphere where most gambling occurs is probably not a good place for a Christian to be or to be seen by non-christians. Its one of the reasons why I would avoid bars if I wanted an occasional beer even though I do not drink I am giving an example. Its not a great atmosphere in a bar and for others to see a Christian at a bar drinking is usually not a great way to witness or show who you are as a Christian. Other than all that I dont believe gambling is a sin.
 
no scripture, except scripture on the love of money, perhaps these would apply:

1 Timothy 6:10
Hebrews 13:5
Proverbs 13:11; 23:5
Ecclesiastes 5:10
 
As far as I can tell, the scriptures do NOT single gambling out as a sin in and of itself.

I think that the Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you", is the only thing that applies here.

In Christ,

Pogo
 
The proper answer would be found in what is taught about being good stewards. :yes I wouldn't simply accept Biblical silence on this matter as an excuse to gamble away that which God has blessed us with. Gambling... and especially losing, is bad stewardship.

But, if any of you insist on giving your money away, PM me and I will supply you with a P.O. box # where you can send your money instead. :D
 
Nobody really wins at gambling! Compulsive gambling can and does destroy lives just like drug addiction and alcoholism. It is just one more form of addiction (such as, pornography or shopping addictions, also not mentioned specifically in the bible). It is another sign of the moral decline currently gripping society these days.

Although the Bible does not mention the term gambling by name, the Christian principles are clear. Compulsive gambling for stakes that make a difference is a violation of the Tenth Commandment forbidding coveting. (I am not talking here about a private poker game among friends for small amounts of money for fun)

This commandment forbids greed and covetousness (Exodus 20:17; Deuteronomy 5:21). The apostle Paul labels covetousness as a form of idolatry—putting something else in the place of the true God.

The biblical proverbs, mainly written and compiled by King Solomon, are full of caution about placing the desire for riches and wealth in a proper, Godly perspective. Altogether, they advocate patience, diligence, hard work and trust in God as preparing for a successful life.

Here are a few of them:

• "The labor of the righteous leads to life" (Proverbs 10:16).

• "The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it" (Proverbs 10:22).

• "He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, but he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding" (Proverbs 12:11; compare 28:19 below).

• "Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, but he who gathers by labor will increase" (Proverbs 13:11).

• "Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure with trouble" (Proverbs 15:16).

• "Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away like an eagle toward heaven" (Proverbs 23:5).

Biblical principles show how to handle our material blessings in ways that lead to a better life, both materially and spiritually. I'd say if you have an addictive nature, it would be best to stay away from something like gambling, as the Lord is a Jealous God and won't take a back seat to anyone or anything.

Gambling is not the answer to our material woes. God is! He teaches us a way of life that includes planning, hard work and true wealth in the treasures of heaven.
 
It doesn't. However, the Bible also doesn't say anything about pornography. Is it a sin to look at pornography? Technically no, if you could control your thoughts. But, we all know what we think when we look at pornography. The same with gambling. There is one thought on your mind when you gamble for money. Money! And, the love of it. By implication, gambling for money is a sin because of the inevitable thoughts that go along with it. If you are not thinking of money, why are you gambling?

So my answer to you is....gambling for money is a sin (love of money). But, if you are gambling for the fun of it (no money), then I don't see it as a sin.
 
zotah said:
Where In The Bible Does It Say Gambling Is A Sin?

I've tried to find where in the Bible it says Gambling is a sin and I haven't had much luck. Even doing a word search I never found the word Gamble anywhere in the whole KJV Bible. I've heard that gambling is a sin. Can anyone tell me where in scripture it shows this.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

Thanks,

Zotah
Click to expand...

Here is the Scripture you requested:
Exodus 20:17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.

Gambling is a form of lust and has led to untold harm. Gambling is such a powerful pull for many that it becomes compulsive. There is always the hope of winning and even when many do win, they promptly lose the money they have gained. In the long run they usually lose. Gambling plays upon the lust that is in the human heart. It should be avoided like the plague.
 
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