Where In The Bible Does It Say Gambling Is A Sin?

[zotah]

Where In The Bible Does It Say Gambling Is A Sin?

I can't even find the word Gamble in the (KJV) Bible anywhere. I've heard it was sinful and I looked every where in the Bible to find it.

Is Gambling a sin and if so where can I find it in the scriptures relating to this.

Thanks for any answers to my question

Zotah

 

[Hammster]

I believe it is more of a principle than a direct command. Kinda like where does it say that reading an x rated book about fictional people is a sin?

I think the principle is that we are supposed to trust God to supply our every need. When we go outside of that, and take money that he has entrusted to us and play a game of 'chance' to try to greatly increase our wealth, then we are not trusting God.

 

[Vince53]

My mother had gotten into financial trouble after losing too much money at the Atlantic City casinos. For years, they kept sending her invitations, offers of free meals and free rooms, if she would return.

Not only is gambling addictive, but the gambling industry knows how to exploit that addiction.

 

[FatherHaveMercy]

I believe it is more of a principle than a direct command. Kinda like where does it say that reading an x rated book about fictional people is a sin?

I think the principle is that we are supposed to trust God to supply our every need. When we go outside of that, and take money that he has entrusted to us and play a game of 'chance' to try to greatly increase our wealth, then we are not trusting God.

I agree well said

 

[The Penitent Man]

Gambling, an "informal" sin ties in to the Seven Deadly Sins.

And the love of money is of course the root of all evil.

 

[powermadd400ex]

Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”

i had a friend who had a gambling addiction, so i know they can get pretty obsessive...considering that quote from jesus, i think the answers pretty clear tbh

 

[Hammster]

Gambling, an "informal" sin ties in to the Seven Deadly Sins.

And the love of money is of course the root of all evil.

Just to clarify, the love of money is the root of all sorts of evil.

 

[Robissaved]

Where In The Bible Does It Say Gambling Is A Sin?

I can't even find the word Gamble in the (KJV) Bible anywhere. I've heard it was sinful and I looked every where in the Bible to find it.

Is Gambling a sin and if so where can I find it in the scriptures relating to this.

Thanks for any answers to my question

Zotah

Although the word "gambling" does not appear in the Bible, the practice is clearly condemned in numerous passages of scripture. Gambling is based on the evil desire to get money or goods which belong to someone else without giving fair value in exchange. The Bible calls this sin "covetousness" and makes it clear that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God (Romans 1:28-32).

 

[MatthewDiscipleofGod]

Just to clarify, the love of money is the root of all sorts of evil.

Actually the Greek would be closer to:
"For the love of money is the root of all evils." as the NET translates it. The NET notes state:

Many translations render this “of all kinds of evil,” especially to allow for the translation “a root” along with it. But there is no parallel for taking a construction like this to mean “all kinds of” or “every kind of.” The normal sense is “all evils.”

 

[JCFantasy23]

Although the word "gambling" does not appear in the Bible, the practice is clearly condemned in numerous passages of scripture. Gambling is based on the evil desire to get money or goods which belong to someone else without giving fair value in exchange. The Bible calls this sin "covetousness" and makes it clear that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God (Romans 1:28-32).

Not only that, but gambling should be considered a sin because it has highly addictive draw. My mother is addicted for gambling and has been for years. It's a huge struggle and they've lost almost everything because of it. When she gives in and gambles now, it's NOT for money or trying to get it, but because she's just addicted to the act of gambling and the excitement of it.

 

[WordsWillFailMe]

Although the word "gambling" does not appear in the Bible, the practice is clearly condemned in numerous passages of scripture. Gambling is based on the evil desire to get money or goods which belong to someone else without giving fair value in exchange. The Bible calls this sin "covetousness" and makes it clear that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God (Romans 1:28-32).

Where specifically are the numerous passages in which gambling is condemned ?

Also, I've never heard someone equate gambling and coveting. ie...You shall not gamble your neighbor's wife. You shall not gamble your neighbor's house...etc. ??? Doesn't make sense to me.

I consider "coveting" as wanting something so much that you're willing to break the Lord's commandments to get it (ie... adultery, stealing...)

 

[van_s]

I have seen this question repeated concerning smoking, drinking, and now gambling. I look at all three that they may act as a stumbling block to my brother so I try to avoid them.

I do however have a friend who is an engineer at a plant that produces beer and I have raised and owned race horses. Though neither of us partake in drinking or gambling directly we have indirectly help those who do. Is that a sin?

My choice to stop was not as difficult as I did not earn my living entirely with the horses, but my friend does struggle a bit with his as it is his career for over 25 years. Any advice?

Van

 

[icamewithasword]

Where In The Bible Does It Say Gambling Is A Sin?

I can't even find the word Gamble in the (KJV) Bible anywhere. I've heard it was sinful and I looked every where in the Bible to find it.

Is Gambling a sin and if so where can I find it in the scriptures relating to this.

Thanks for any answers to my question

Zotah

Friend,
If you are searching Scripture to determine specific sin activities (as in using a rule-book) you are missing a greater meaning for the living Word.

I would caution anyone making rulings on what is/ is not sinfull, as they become 'law-giver'.

Study and meditate on the Word; seek His will daily; press on in the race toward the prize awaiting, and He will progressively transform you into conforming to our Lord Jesus Christ. Along your journey He will reveal to you what is/ is not pleasing to Him, and your desire will be His desire.

 

[JCFantasy23]

Where specifically are the numerous passages in which gambling is condemned ?

Also, I've never heard someone equate gambling and coveting. ie...You shall not gamble your neighbor's wife. You shall not gamble your neighbor's house...etc. ??? Doesn't make sense to me.

I consider "coveting" as wanting something so much that you're willing to break the Lord's commandments to get it (ie... adultery, stealing...)

In my personal opinion, indulging every once in awhile shouldn't be an issue - a vacation, for instance. I just know how alluring it can be to some and how it's best to use caution not to become addictive. With "coveting", I'm assuming the coveting of money.

 

[NathanEHarvey]

My parents always told me after I'd brag about how easy it is to win money in poker, just because someone's father is out losing their money doesn't mean you should be the one taking it. It's questionable at best.

 

[AltruAltaic]

Would playing in a local poker tournament where I buy-in for 20 dollars and have a chance of winning 500 dollars be a sin? Not that I am desperate for the money, I just want to do it for the fun and of course the potential of winning the prize. What if I donated it all to church?

 

[Lemmiwinks]

Is Gambling a sin and if so where can I find it in the scriptures relating to this.

A "sin" is something that is bad for me. People get addicted to gambling, so therefore gambling can be bad for me if it becomes a problem.

Even if I gamble but I don't get addicted to it, it isn't a very nice industry. The people who run casinos don't care about people. They just want to take people's money. That isn't an industry I want to support.

I don't need the bible to tell me gambling is bad, I can see that for myself.

Do any of us really need the bible to tell us do this and don't do that? Did not God give us a conscience? Did he not give us eyes and ears and a brain to evaluate things? It isn't supposed to be a rule book any more, now that the holy spirit writes his law on our hearts.

 

[Lemmiwinks]

I do however have a friend who is an engineer at a plant that produces beer and I have raised and owned race horses. Though neither of us partake in drinking or gambling directly we have indirectly help those who do. Is that a sin?

No one is 100% ethical. We all choose to drive cars and in doing so, we pollute the air which in turn poisons people's lungs, thus helping defile the temple of the holy spirit. But I have no plans to stop driving. If I cause pollution, well, sorry - but I need to drive.

 

[TexJB]

On the same token, is it still a sin if you don't do it for love of money or for greed? While it is addictive, it seems to me that one could gamble in moderation and with responsibility without it being sinful.

 

[Phanari]

Gambling itself is not a sin. Being foolish ABOUT gambling is a wrong though. As long as you're wise with your money when gambling, you're fine though!