Biblical Answer

What does the Bible say about gambling?

The Bible is silent on the subject of gambling, and there is no clear prohibition against it. However, the Bible does provide some insight into the ethics of gambling. The author of the book of Proverbs argues that gambling can lead to covetousness and a lack of generosity, and that it can nurture the fantasy that luck rather than hard work is a way to achieve success. The Bible also teaches that humans are finite and that God alone knows and can control the outcome of events, which suggests that taking risks or making decisions based on chance is not necessarily in conflict with God's sovereignty.

The Bible does not explicitly forbid profit-making or charging modest and fair interest rates, but it does caution against borrowing and accumulating debt. The author of the book of Proverbs argues that it is prudent to avoid borrowing and accumulating debt, and that it is better to be generous and trust in God's providence rather than relying on chance or luck. The Bible also teaches that a person who is tempted to gamble or engage in other forms of risk-taking should examine their motivations and consider whether they are acting out of covetousness or a desire to control their own destiny rather than trusting in God's sovereignty.

The Bible teaches that a pattern of drunkenness is no different than other forms of immorality, including thievery, greed, or selfish ambition. While the Bible does not explicitly forbid drinking alcoholic beverages, it does caution against excessive drinking and the loss of self-control that can result from it. In terms of gambling, the Bible teaches that it is possible to engage in recreational gambling without violating Christian principles, but that serious gamblers may be more likely to violate principles such as generosity, trust in God's sovereignty, and self-control. Ultimately, the Bible teaches that humans are finite and that God alone knows and can control the outcome of events, and that we should trust in God's providence rather than relying on chance or luck.