Playing poker for living. Acceptable or not?

[PaaKne]

As far as I am able to see from the word of God, it's not okay for a Christian to play poker - not even for surviving, even less for living. OK, anyone can now easily attack me for a) beeing just 16 and b) at present live in one of the world's best countries when talking about income as well as welfare. Both of these are correct, - and none of these change the word of God.

The habit of playing for a profit/reward is a way to get wealthier by use/misuse your neighbour's weakness. No such way of living our lives will underline that we are "ambassadors for Christ", only strike these words out (or as said in Norwegian, litteraly translated, "not underline, but overline your words") and get other asking questions. A Christian is a Christ-follower and thus a Christian should always be concerned about how he make his/her income. Imagine Christ met you - 100 % physically - outside today and asked about the way you - as his ambassador - made your money: Would you in such a situation be able to proudly tell him that you made your money by playing poker, or do you think that this should make yourself embarrased and ashamed, and should make Christ pensive and sorrowed?

You are stating that " that it's really hard to find a job where I am". For sure, no doubt about that! From your profile card (and nick,..), I've learned that you're from Latvia, a country my family and I have visited. A Norwegian 14 years old teenager pampered with an easy recreation job paid at about 45 EUR/47 USD pr six hours of Saturday morning work (and that for a job older teenagers had refused as "to bad paid, easily get something better"!) became quite shocked by meeting such harsh livng conditions quite close to the Norwegian border". However, you further do not state "no job opportuniies" but "almost no job opportunities" Remember that these opportunities also har given you by God! The Norwegian national psalm (Norway has a national anthem and a national psalm) remind about Psalms 127,1:" Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain." HE open possibilities, and HE closes possibilities, and you can do nothing but in cooperation with him! You are also saying that "most of the job offers are something that I wouldn't like to do". Have you ever thought about that GOD my like you to to these jobs, and thats's why he have opened the possibilities for you to do them? Have you kneeled and asked your Father why He open these possibiliities for a job, what He wants to to learn you when doing so and whether He wants you to do some of these jobs?

Remember: "... evertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt. (Mark 14,36)

 

[Lady M.]

It sounds like you feel convicted. If this is the case, the Holy Spirit is talking to you. Pray and fast for the Lord to open a new door for you.

Have you considered working in investments? You would be helping people to earn something through the investment. I don't know how it is in your country. But, isn't there anything like a stock market. You can begin at a low level job and work your way up.

Whatever you do, whatever job you seek, you can always be honest and explain your situation to the interviewer. Tell them you have decided to seek another way of earning a living. The Lord is truth. There is no way you can go wrong with the truth. God will bless you for your honesty.

Pray and fast for direction. Keep away from the gambling while you are praying and fasting.

God bless.

 

[Kutte]

As the thread states - is it okay to play poker for living?

I'm 25. I've been doing it for living since 18. Accepted Christ last June, thought that I have to stop playing, but have wounded up in a situation where I have no money, no skills, almost no job opportunities, but I do have a desire to learn a new profession so I have the necessity for some funds to do that and earning some money playing poker is the best option for me as it is something I know how to do and it is easily combined with learning because I can do it whenever I want instead of a 9-5 job. Although I am thinking about learning in the internet so I could also do a 9-5. The problem is that it's really hard to find a job where I am living and most of the job offers are something that I wouldn't like to do. Also I have no job experience so most of employers would choose someone who has over me who doesn't and who has played poker his whole life. But at the same time I realize that it's a lot about how I present myself and it seems that my life gets a little bit more joyous and happy lately (by the grace of God) so I could be a better person at trying to get a job.

Anyway, what do you think about playing poker for living?

Hi Klavs,

In my humble opinion 'playing poker' translates into making money, not earning it. To earn money would require working with one's hands or involve oneself into service oriented activities. Considering the low unemployment rate in America these days, it should therefore not be hard to find a job, any job. America's history shows people that began by cleaning dishes and ended up as millionaires. When living in an EU country such as Lettland, move to Germany or some other place offering employment opportunities. My best.

 

[sunnynyc]

Shown below are some selected bible verses related to your issue:
1st Timothy 6:10
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Hebrews 13:5
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Proverbs 13:11
Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.

Proverbs 23:5
Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

Ecclesiastes 5:10
He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.

Matthew 6:24
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

mam·mon
ˈmamən/
noun

1. wealth regarded as an evil influence or false object of worship and devotion. It was taken by medieval writers as the name of the devil of covetousness, and revived in this sense by Milton.

(Definition courtesy of google.com)

Since you're working as a poker dealer, i assume you work at night? See this verse.
John 11:10

“But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.”

Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Please read the preserved word of the living God at OFFICIAL KING JAMES BIBLE ONLINE: AUTHORIZED KING JAMES VERSION (KJV)

 

[The Scientist of the Eternal Pinecone]

Many answers. Thank you.

So opinions differ as faith does.

I must admit that almost nothing good has came out of the money I have won playing poker throughout the years. I regret ever picking up this occupation and not coming to a good sense sooner. I've always loved art. And music. While playing poker I have thought about ethical business ideas as well. I would love to do something along those lines with Jesus if He was okay with me doing that. But unfortunately I cannot hear from Him at the moment and I'm a little bit left to my own devices. I will probably fast and pray for faith and reconciliation... Even though I accepted Christ last June, I am already a prodigal. Or a pig-dog. Hopefully a prodigal. Fingers crossed.

Jeremiah 17:11
"Like a partridge that hatches eggs it did not lay are those who gain riches by unjust means. When their lives are half gone, their riches will desert them, and in the end they will prove to be fools."

Sad to come to the realization that, yep, I'm a complete fool.

While I was playing and chasing after the riches, I guess they gave me a false sense of security. Although I always felt that the money or playing the game itself isn't satisfying me and searched for something else, but unfortunately fell deeper into the snares of the evil one culminating in allowing him to possess me (will most likely tell the story one day...).

Before coming to Christ I had the realization that, yes, nothing good has in the end ever came out of the whole poker thing so I stopped. I had some savings. Unfortunately Satan trapped me again after coming to Christ and instead learning to lean on God, I still leaned on my own understanding and 'enjoyed' my cleanness by running away from God through sinning pretty soon afterwards. Oh, like a fool thinking that... Nothing too bad will happen/ not realizing what was happening to me. I was wrong and can attest from my experience now "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows." (Gal. 6:7) And "If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy that person; for God's temple is sacred, and you together are that temple." (1 Cor 3:17)

The money earned by playing poker has always been running through my fingers. I just didn't realize it. I always could earn more! And I was devoted enough to save quite a lot. But it really did fly away like an eagle.

And now it's hard to throw this foolishness away. Sometimes I try to reason and justify myself into playing again for some "good reasons", but it just isn't right. I have a belief that the money I earn from poker most likely isn't going to bring me anything good, but still there is this temptation to earn money this way because "maybe it will be different this time". And who knows, maybe it would. Rereading what I have written so far, I realize that it probably wouldn't.

So the next step is to get over myself and to do something with my hands. I already know that it would bring me lots of joy most likely (compared to doing something that God dislikes). I think that my problem is that I have never done anything else in my life and my only experience is that of playing poker... Fears and doubts and unwillingness to do something that might be uncomfortable.

Thank you everyone for you long answers. I wish that one day I will write and help someone as you have helped me. A day when I could call myself wise and not a fool. I hope that I with the help of God (or maybe God Himself) will learn to change the way my disobedient and incautious heart works and that it isn't yet too late and that isn't an impossible task. Oh, how I'd love to be a light to someone in the darkness.

 

[Evan Jellicoe]

Many answers. Thank you.
So opinions differ as faith does.
I must admit that almost nothing good has came out of the money I have won playing poker throughout the years. I regret ever picking up this occupation and not coming to a good sense sooner.

And that is the part that is your decision, and nobody else's. Some might condemn you if you choose to continue on that path; others would not. But the important thing is, what is your own conscience telling you about God's will for your life? If you believe that no good has come of your playing poker and that you should walk away from it, then by all means do that. God be with you.

EJ

 

[Saint Nod]

Hi Klavs,
I do agree with the last person, particularly his point that anything that is not of faith is sin... i moved to an area once where a guy in his 40's became a Christian... he had spent many years as a naval seaman.. a rough occupation. He had much to learn about his walk with Jesus and day by day God was drawing him closer To Himself. My friend was also a heavy smoker... not once did I suggest that he should give this up... God was doing His own convicting, He didn't need me.... even though smoking does damage the body which God had created and given to him. But some may argue that the Bible doesn't directly speak about smoking being a sin... but of course when you search the Bible it does give principles to help us address these various areas.
No doubt you use a lot of skill in what you do... and of course the Bible doesn't specifically address this type of gambling.... but then you have to ask yourself... what about the people you play with... for a very few it may be fun... and losing may not be a big deal... but then what about the people who are addicted to gambling? The ones who have just gambled away their wife's last dollar the families' only money to put food on the table? What would they do? I am sure it is difficult not having money to support yourself, but what about the wife who now has NO money to support her little children?
You know my friend? Well, nobody spoke to him, to my knowledge about smoking, but years later God's did convict him and he gave it up.... and now even though he is retired he is still being used by God using his seaman skills.
God too can use all the things that you have learnt in poker, but in a different way that will honour Him. But, for your own individual life you have to trust Him to lead you down a different path. No doubt this is a point in your life where He is testing you... are you willing to trust Jesus in this too? Talk to your pastor ask him for advice... but above all remember that God saved you for a reason and He won't let you down. May God indeed make your paths straight as you learn to walk in faith and trust Him.

 

[Sketcher]

There are always entry-level jobs out there. They don't pay that well, but if you put all of yourself into it, you can learn valuable skills and make contacts that make you employable for better jobs. Poker is something to be done on the side, it should never be relied upon to put food on the table.

 

[throughfiierytrial]

As the thread states - is it okay to play poker for living?

I'm 25. I've been doing it for living since 18. Accepted Christ last June, thought that I have to stop playing, but have wounded up in a situation where I have no money, no skills, almost no job opportunities, but I do have a desire to learn a new profession so I have the necessity for some funds to do that and earning some money playing poker is the best option for me as it is something I know how to do and it is easily combined with learning because I can do it whenever I want instead of a 9-5 job. Although I am thinking about learning in the internet so I could also do a 9-5. The problem is that it's really hard to find a job where I am living and most of the job offers are something that I wouldn't like to do. Also I have no job experience so most of employers would choose someone who has over me who doesn't and who has played poker his whole life. But at the same time I realize that it's a lot about how I present myself and it seems that my life gets a little bit more joyous and happy lately (by the grace of God) so I could be a better person at trying to get a job.

Anyway, what do you think about playing poker for living?

I don't think poker is a godly profession, but I don't know it well enough, is it gambling? If so are the stakes high? Be very careful. You need a job, but there must be something else temporarily for you, huh? Can't be too picky up-front.

 

[Loser82070]

As the thread states - is it okay to play poker for living?

I'm 25. I've been doing it for living since 18. Accepted Christ last June, thought that I have to stop playing, but have wounded up in a situation where I have no money, no skills, almost no job opportunities, but I do have a desire to learn a new profession so I have the necessity for some funds to do that and earning some money playing poker is the best option for me as it is something I know how to do and it is easily combined with learning because I can do it whenever I want instead of a 9-5 job. Although I am thinking about learning in the internet so I could also do a 9-5. The problem is that it's really hard to find a job where I am living and most of the job offers are something that I wouldn't like to do. Also I have no job experience so most of employers would choose someone who has over me who doesn't and who has played poker his whole life. But at the same time I realize that it's a lot about how I present myself and it seems that my life gets a little bit more joyous and happy lately (by the grace of God) so I could be a better person at trying to get a job.

Anyway, what do you think about playing poker for living?

 

[Loser82070]

As the thread states - is it okay to play poker for living?

I'm 25. I've been doing it for living since 18. Accepted Christ last June, thought that I have to stop playing, but have wounded up in a situation where I have no money, no skills, almost no job opportunities, but I do have a desire to learn a new profession so I have the necessity for some funds to do that and earning some money playing poker is the best option for me as it is something I know how to do and it is easily combined with learning because I can do it whenever I want instead of a 9-5 job. Although I am thinking about learning in the internet so I could also do a 9-5. The problem is that it's really hard to find a job where I am living and most of the job offers are something that I wouldn't like to do. Also I have no job experience so most of employers would choose someone who has over me who doesn't and who has played poker his whole life. But at the same time I realize that it's a lot about how I present myself and it seems that my life gets a little bit more joyous and happy lately (by the grace of God) so I could be a better person at trying to get a job.

Anyway, what do you think about playing poker for living?

This is easy... Nowhere in the bible does it say "Thou shalt not Gamble"

 

[REBEL CRUSADER]

As the thread states - is it okay to play poker for living?

I'm 25. I've been doing it for living since 18. Accepted Christ last June, thought that I have to stop playing, but have wounded up in a situation where I have no money, no skills, almost no job opportunities, but I do have a desire to learn a new profession so I have the necessity for some funds to do that and earning some money playing poker is the best option for me as it is something I know how to do and it is easily combined with learning because I can do it whenever I want instead of a 9-5 job. Although I am thinking about learning in the internet so I could also do a 9-5. The problem is that it's really hard to find a job where I am living and most of the job offers are something that I wouldn't like to do. Also I have no job experience so most of employers would choose someone who has over me who doesn't and who has played poker his whole life. But at the same time I realize that it's a lot about how I present myself and it seems that my life gets a little bit more joyous and happy lately (by the grace of God) so I could be a better person at trying to get a job.

Anyway, what do you think about playing poker for living?

Life is a gamble. People gamble with their lives everyday without thinking about it. Every time you hop on a plane, or take a drive to the store, or go to a 9-5 job to make money. You don't know what's going to happen. How about if you were a world class chess champion, and that was your career to make your money, or a baseball player, or a boxer, or a darts player, for that matter? I prefer chess myself, but poker looks like it would be a fun strategy game too. If you choose poker as your career, then go pro. Be a world champion. Go be on the sports networks where I see all the other professional poker players competing. If God gave you a nack and a gift for it, by all means go use it. Don't forget to make some youtube videos. I wouldn't mind some lessons. My friend likes a game every now and then, and I would love to beat him at it.

 

[Sandy Zalecki]

I don't like gambling because I lost everything when my ex-husband gambled. Gambling can become an addiction just like alcohol, drugs, and anything else that is addicting. Some people can drink and not become addicted, others can't. The question is, can you gamble for a time and then put it aside when you get another job or does it consume you? Can you really make a living at it? I have seen some that can but you have to be very disciplined and not be tempted to go for the big score and lose everything. When you gamble the deck is always stacked for the house. Also, when you gamble you can get hooked up with some very dangerous people. It's a temptation that I would not take, but others might be able to handle.

It's a big risk, but so is starting a business or playing the stock market. If you feel it's the only thing you can do to make money and you can handle the temptation, then it's your decision to make. If I were you I would be praying that the Lord would send you some sort of gainful employment. He can and will because He is God and He can do all things.

 

[Spirit Conqueror]

As the thread states - is it okay to play poker for living?

I'm 25. I've been doing it for living since 18. Accepted Christ last June, thought that I have to stop playing, but have wounded up in a situation where I have no money, no skills, almost no job opportunities, but I do have a desire to learn a new profession so I have the necessity for some funds to do that and earning some money playing poker is the best option for me as it is something I know how to do and it is easily combined with learning because I can do it whenever I want instead of a 9-5 job. Although I am thinking about learning in the internet so I could also do a 9-5. The problem is that it's really hard to find a job where I am living and most of the job offers are something that I wouldn't like to do. Also I have no job experience so most of employers would choose someone who has over me who doesn't and who has played poker his whole life. But at the same time I realize that it's a lot about how I present myself and it seems that my life gets a little bit more joyous and happy lately (by the grace of God) so I could be a better person at trying to get a job.

Anyway, what do you think about playing poker for living?

Hi Klavs,

What do I think about you playing poker for a living while you serving God? Playing Casino, Lotto, Bingo, Horse Race, ...etc; you name it. They are all in the name of "Gambling". It's the love for money. This is one of Satan's favourite tactics - Greed. You're spending money for nothing. But you should be spending your time finding work to earn a living. You can't love or serve two masters, God and your love for money at the same time. Sorry buddy, it doesn't work that way. But you're signing your life out of God for that kind of living. I wouldn't do it if I was you if you want to live a godly life. Believe me!

In Spirit.

 

[The Scientist of the Eternal Pinecone]

Hi Klavs,

What do I think about you playing poker for a living while you serving God? Playing Casino, Lotto, Bingo, Horse Race, ...etc; you name it. They are all in the name of "Gambling". It's the love for money. This is one of Satan's favourite tactics - Greed. You're spending money for nothing. But you should be spending your time finding work to earn a living. You can't love or serve two masters, God and your love for money at the same time. Sorry buddy, it doesn't work that way. But you're signing your life out of God for that kind of living. I wouldn't do it if I was you if you want to live a godly life. Believe me!

In Spirit.

As I said this time I wasn't thinking about earning a lot of money and chasing after that, but earning so that I could pay for living expenses and learn a new profession at the same time. Maybe the title and my question was misleading. I personally believe it's more of an issue of unjust gain, but I admit that it's about love of money as well. That has been my temptation - to chase after that again and again. And I admit that it has been easy to fall pray for it.

But I always feel better when I decide to try to do something else and I have chosen that. Searching for God with all my heart and soul. I need Him more than anything else.

 

[PaaKne]

This is easy... Nowhere in the bible does it say "Thou shalt not Gamble"

And as far as i'm able to see, this is a bit to easy conclution: Nowhere in the Bible do you find "Thou shalt not drink and drive" or "Thou shalt not use heroin" either, but the question is not solved by that.

 

[Geoff m]

As the thread states - is it okay to play poker for living?

I'm 25. I've been doing it for living since 18. Accepted Christ last June, thought that I have to stop playing, but have wounded up in a situation where I have no money, no skills, almost no job opportunities, but I do have a desire to learn a new profession so I have the necessity for some funds to do that and earning some money playing poker is the best option for me as it is something I know how to do and it is easily combined with learning because I can do it whenever I want instead of a 9-5 job. Although I am thinking about learning in the internet so I could also do a 9-5. The problem is that it's really hard to find a job where I am living and most of the job offers are something that I wouldn't like to do. Also I have no job experience so most of employers would choose someone who has over me who doesn't and who has played poker his whole life. But at the same time I realize that it's a lot about how I present myself and it seems that my life gets a little bit more joyous and happy lately (by the grace of God) so I could be a better person at trying to get a job.

Anyway, what do you think about playing poker for living?

gambling is a mugs game, you can't win forever

 

[BukiRob]

As the thread states - is it okay to play poker for living?

I'm 25. I've been doing it for living since 18. Accepted Christ last June, thought that I have to stop playing, but have wounded up in a situation where I have no money, no skills, almost no job opportunities, but I do have a desire to learn a new profession so I have the necessity for some funds to do that and earning some money playing poker is the best option for me as it is something I know how to do and it is easily combined with learning because I can do it whenever I want instead of a 9-5 job. Although I am thinking about learning in the internet so I could also do a 9-5. The problem is that it's really hard to find a job where I am living and most of the job offers are something that I wouldn't like to do. Also I have no job experience so most of employers would choose someone who has over me who doesn't and who has played poker his whole life. But at the same time I realize that it's a lot about how I present myself and it seems that my life gets a little bit more joyous and happy lately (by the grace of God) so I could be a better person at trying to get a job.

Anyway, what do you think about playing poker for living?

There is a significant and IMO MASSIVE difference between what scripture actually says and what man tries to make scripture say concerning gambling. Frankly, poker is not really a game of chance. Its much more a game of skill and knowing the statistical probabilities.

I find most of the arguments people make though well intended, are frankly taking scripture completely out of context.

One preacher cites You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. ~ Exodus 20:16 and uses this as a foundation that bluffing is doing just this.... HOGWASH. Bearing false witness is a LEGAL constraint. It is the equivalent of lying under oath.

Then he goes off the rails completely by citing Exodus 20:17 You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.

Coveting is a passive sin in that your neighbor is not putting up at stake these things. Coveting is both lusting over the success of your neighbor and being jealous over your neighbors success.

Playing poker professionally is neither of these things.

I have long lived under the view that where the bible is silent we too should be silent. The scriptures do not really have much to say about this particular subject and as such we too should be silent.

 

[Smelaman]

Hello, brother Klavs!

I really believe than earning money with gambling in any form is a sin. For me, it is similar to selling drugs... About Russian - I don't think that you need a Russian wife to learn it. I know 10 languages - I speak 5, 1 understand and know about 1 000 words in 4. If God would help me, I would like to learn more. So, if you need a help with free resourses where you could learn language, I would be glad to help you. Russian is my native language, but I have 4 kids and have not much free time. Anyway, if you want to, I could give you some recommendations about learning language. And this is practical - not just written words. May God bless you! Aleks

 

[sunnynyc]

LUKE CHAPTER 15 KJV
Read this for the story of lost sheep and the prodigal son.

LUKE CHAPTER 5 KJV
Please read this chapter and analyze it.

Pay attention to these verses in Luke chapter 5:
31 And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.

32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

33 And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?

34 And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?

35 But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.

Ever wonder why you don't understand the authorized version of the king james holy bible?
Proverbs 1:23

“Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.”

Please take note of this verse as well:
Luke 14:26

“If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.”

John 3:16-21
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

Please read the gospel of John over and over and over until something clicks in your head.
JOHN CHAPTER 1 KJV

Further suggested reading:
Read Psalms to praise the Lord and our everlasting God.
Read Proverbs for God's wisdom.
Read Genesis to see how the serpent deceives Eve.
Read the book of Revelation for a special blessing.
Read the gospel of John for the good news.

By the way, if you are reading your holy bible and your cellphone doesn't start ringing with a bunch of phone calls from people you never knew, then you are probably are not reading the authorized version of the word of God. Cause if you read the authorized version of the word of God aka the king james version, the enemy will start to flood your phone with distractions.


Matthew 4:4 | Holy Bible KJV
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.