Biblical Answer

The Bible's Silence on Gambling

The Bible is silent on the subject of gambling, which may be why many Christians are uncertain about its morality. However, this silence does not necessarily mean that gambling is morally neutral. In fact, the Bible provides evidence against gambling as a social evil. While games of chance and other forms of gambling predate the writing of Scripture, the Bible does not explicitly address the issue. This silence may be due to the fact that gambling was not a significant problem in ancient Israel or the early Christian church.

The Sovereignty of God and Risk-Taking

One argument against gambling is that it calls into question God's sovereign control of our affairs. When we take a risk on an uncertain outcome, we may be seen as questioning God's ability to control the outcome. However, this argument can be turned on its head. In Scripture, gambling was used as a way to make decisions because humans are finite and God alone knows and can influence the outcome. This means that even for the serious gambler, the act of gambling is not inherently evil. Instead, it is a way of acknowledging God's sovereignty over all things.

The Social Impact of Gambling

While the Bible does not explicitly condemn gambling, it does provide evidence against its social impact. Human experience indicates that even recreational gambling can promote covetousness and lead away from giving as a way of life. It often nurtures the fantasy that luck rather than hard work is a way to achieve prosperity. For this reason, Christians should be cautious in their example and speech, lest they lead others into habits that are not pleasing to God. Ultimately, the prudent gambler should recognize the potential risks and consequences of gambling and choose to abstain from it. The Bible teaches us that true prosperity comes from living a life that reflects Christian values and teachings. By choosing to abstain from gambling, we can live a life that is pleasing to God and reflects the values of our faith.