Gambling and the Bible

The Holy Bible, opened to the Book of Isaiah.

As far as gambling and the Bible, the Bible doesn't explicitly forbid gambling, but it does include many indirect references in the Bible against gambling via warnings against greed and admonitions to engage in wise financial stewardship. The Bible further stands against taking from the poor to give to the rich (as gambling does), and for the work ethic that gambling undermines.

Many drunkards and other addicts have testimonials on how they overcame their addictions and other sinful behaviors via the power of Jesus Christ.

References in the Bible against gambling include:

• Psalm 22:18 : "they divide my garments among them,

and for my clothing they cast lots."

• John 19:24 : "so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says,

“They divided my garments among them,

and for my clothing they cast lots.”

So the soldiers did these things ....

• 1 Timothy 6:10: admonishment against loving money because it is the root of evil
• Hebrews 13:5: cautioning against loving money
• Proverbs 13:11, 23:5: avoid get-rich-quick schemes
• Ecclesiastes 5:10: ditto
• Matthew 6:24: both God and money cannot be your maaster
• Ephesians 5:5: unrepentant folks who are greedy are idolaters who won't be saved

See also

• Focus on the Family