What does the Bible say about Gambling?

in Articles · Bible · Christian Living

The Bible doesn’t specifically say anything about gambling, but it does have a lot to say about using godly wisdom when it comes to managing our money and possessions. By gambling, we are referring to games of chance at places like casinos and sporting events. This is not to be confused with the risks that are inherent in life. Businesses risk investments in expansion, farmers risk planting seeds for a crop, and individuals risk money in savings investments to grow an income. These types of risks are usually thought through and the risk/benefit probabilities well-calculated. A lot of wisdom and knowledge are applied in these types of risk.

The people in charge of gambling in casinos, at sporting events, lotteries, etc., have calculated the odds and they are highly in their favor and against the gambler. Yes, there will be the occasional big winner, but it only happens at the expense of many losses from others. Honest gain is where both parties win. For example, an employer gains from your work, and you gain from the wages.

The book of Proverbs is full of wisdom about how to properly steward our money and possessions. It says:

That we shouldn’t be greedy. (Prov. 15:27)
Avoid get-rich-quick schemes. (Prov. 28:20)

There are many scriptures about money and ways to gain and use money. Some of them are:

That we earn our income honestly. (Prov. 16:8; 28:6)
We should work hard and not be lazy. (Prov. 10:4; 20:1)
When we see the opportunity to help other Christians, we should take it (Jam. 2:15-16).
To help the poor (Rom. 15:26).

Scripture never says we should gamble at games of chance to gain wealth. Christians should understand that money is not sinful, but how it’s used can be. According to Scripture, money should be thought of as a means and not an end. True riches are the ones that come from God’s blessings, and not from gambling. “The blessing from Yahweh is what makes one rich, and he does not combine pain with the blessing” (Prov. 10:22).

For further study on this subject, visit the link below:

https://www.truthortradition.com/articles/what-does-the-Bible-say-about-gambling