Biblical Answer

Is gambling explicitly forbidden in the Bible?

The Bible does not explicitly forbid gambling. The lack of explicit prohibition against gambling in the Bible is not necessarily an indication that gambling is acceptable, but rather it may be an indication that the Bible is silent on the subject. In fact, the Bible does not explicitly forbid many things that are considered sinful today, such as drunkenness and greed.

The most common argument against gambling is the sovereignty of God to deliberately take a risk on an uncertain outcome is to call in question God's sovereign control of our affairs or actually to invoke God's intervention in our lives. However, this argument is not compelling for two reasons. First, it is only applicable to the serious gambler, and second, even for the serious gambler, the argument could be turned the other way. In Scripture, gambling was specifically used in making decisions because humans are finite, and God alone knows and can intervene.

In the New Testament, drunkenness is considered a pattern of sinful behavior, but it does not explicitly mention gambling. However, the Bible does emphasize the importance of self-control and generosity. For the Christian, it is prudent to avoid behaviors that promote covetousness and lead away from giving as a way of life. Therefore, while the Bible does not explicitly forbid gambling, it does provide guidance on how to live a life that reflects Christian values and teachings. Christians should be cautious in example and speech so that it may not lead others into habits that are not pleasing to God. Ultimately, the decision to engage in gambling should be made with a consideration of the potential consequences and the values of the Christian faith.