Biblical Answer

The Bible and Gambling: A Complex Issue

The Bible does not explicitly condemn gambling as a social evil. In fact, games of chance and other forms of gambling predate the writing of Scripture, and the Bible is silent on the subject. This silence has led some to argue that the Bible does not provide a clear stance on the issue. However, we can examine the underlying principles and values that the Bible teaches, which can offer insight into the ethics of gambling.

The Sovereignty of God and Risk

One argument against gambling is that it implies a lack of trust in God's sovereignty over our affairs. If we take a risk on an uncertain outcome, are we not calling into question God's control over our lives? However, the Bible teaches that humans are finite and that God alone knows and can influence the future. In Scripture, gambling was used as a means of making decisions because of this uncertainty. Therefore, we cannot say that taking a risk is inherently evil, but rather it is a matter of trust in God's sovereignty. For the serious gambler, the argument could be turned the other way: if God is in control, then even the outcome of a gamble is not outside of God's plan.

The Social Impact of Gambling

While the Bible may not explicitly condemn gambling, it does teach values that can inform our understanding of its social impact. For example, the Bible teaches that covetousness and a focus on luck rather than hard work can be detrimental to our character and relationships. Furthermore, the Bible teaches that giving and generosity are essential to a virtuous life. Therefore, while we may not be able to say that gambling is inherently evil, we can caution against its potential to lead people away from these values and towards a life of covetousness and selfishness. Ultimately, the Bible teaches that our actions should be guided by a desire to please God and to live a life that reflects His values. With this in mind, we should approach the issue of gambling with caution and careful consideration.