Topical Encyclopedia Dice-playing, a form of gambling involving the casting of small, numbered cubes, is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible. However, the practice of casting lots, which bears some resemblance to dice-playing, is referenced in several biblical passages. The casting of lots was often used in ancient times to make decisions or discern divine will, and it is important to distinguish this practice from gambling, which is typically motivated by the desire for material gain.Casting Lots in the Bible The casting of lots is seen in various contexts throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, lots were used to distribute land among the tribes of Israel (Joshua 18:10), to select the scapegoat on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:8), and to determine the order of priestly service (1 Chronicles 24:5). The practice was understood as a means of seeking God's guidance, as evidenced by Proverbs 16:33: "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD." In the New Testament, the casting of lots is mentioned in the selection of Matthias as an apostle to replace Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:26). This instance reflects the early church's reliance on divine providence in decision-making. Gambling and the Christian Perspective While the Bible does not directly address dice-playing or gambling, it provides principles that guide Christian behavior. The love of money is cautioned against in 1 Timothy 6:10: "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil." This warning highlights the potential spiritual dangers associated with gambling, which often stems from greed and the desire for quick wealth. Additionally, Christians are encouraged to be good stewards of their resources (Matthew 25:14-30) and to avoid activities that could lead to addiction or harm to oneself or others (1 Corinthians 6:12). The pursuit of wealth through gambling can conflict with these biblical principles, leading many Christians to view dice-playing and similar activities with caution. Moral and Ethical Considerations The ethical implications of dice-playing and gambling are significant within the Christian worldview. The potential for financial loss, addiction, and the neglect of responsibilities are concerns that align with biblical teachings on stewardship and self-control. Furthermore, the impact of gambling on families and communities can be detrimental, leading to broken relationships and social issues. Christians are called to live lives marked by contentment and trust in God's provision (Philippians 4:11-13). Engaging in activities that promote reliance on chance rather than faith can undermine this calling. Therefore, while the Bible does not explicitly prohibit dice-playing, the principles of Scripture encourage believers to exercise discernment and prioritize their spiritual well-being over material pursuits. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia DICE-PLAYINGSee GAMES. Greek 2940. kubeia -- dice playing ... dice playing. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: kubeia Phonetic Spelling: (koo-bi'-ah) Short Definition: trickery, sleight Definition: (lit ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2940.htm - 6k Library Again on the Calamity of the City of Antioch. ... Homilies on the Statues. Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility 1 Cor. Iv. 6 Thesaurus DiceplayingDiceplaying. Dibri, Diceplaying. Dice-playing . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia DICE-PLAYING. See GAMES. Dibri, Diceplaying. Dice-playing . Reference ... /d/diceplaying.htm - 6k Dice-playing Dibri (1 Occurrence) Dictate (2 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about playing the lottery? | GotQuestions.orgWho is really “playing God”'the doctor who euthanizes a dying patient, or the doctor who extends the life of a terminally ill patient? | GotQuestions.org Should a Christian play video games? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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