Topical Bible: Good Luck

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Definition and Cultural Context:
The term "good luck" is commonly used in contemporary language to express a wish for success or favorable outcomes in various endeavors. It is often associated with chance or fortune rather than divine providence. In many cultures, good luck is symbolized by objects or rituals believed to bring about positive results.

Biblical Perspective:
The concept of "luck" as understood in modern terms does not have a direct equivalent in the Bible. Instead, Scripture emphasizes the sovereignty of God over all events and outcomes. The Bible teaches that God is in control of the universe and that nothing happens outside of His will. This is evident in passages such as Proverbs 16:33, which states, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD."

Divine Providence vs. Chance:
The Bible consistently attributes the unfolding of events to God's providence rather than random chance. In Matthew 10:29-31, Jesus illustrates God's intimate involvement in creation, saying, "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."

Trust in God Rather than Luck:
Believers are encouraged to place their trust in God rather than in luck or fortune. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This passage underscores the importance of relying on God's guidance and wisdom rather than uncertain outcomes.

Warnings Against Superstition:
The Bible warns against engaging in superstitious practices or relying on omens, which are often associated with the concept of luck. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 cautions against divination and sorcery, practices that seek to manipulate or predict the future apart from God. Such practices are considered detestable because they divert trust away from God.

Examples of God's Favor:
While the Bible does not endorse the idea of luck, it does speak of God's favor and blessing upon individuals. For instance, Joseph found favor in the eyes of the Lord, which led to his success in Egypt (Genesis 39:2-4). Similarly, Esther was granted favor, which played a crucial role in the deliverance of her people (Esther 2:17).

Conclusion:
The Bible encourages believers to seek God's will and trust in His providence rather than relying on the concept of luck. By acknowledging God's sovereignty and seeking His guidance, believers can find assurance and peace in the midst of life's uncertainties.

Topical Bible Verses

Ezekiel 13:18
And say, Thus said the Lord GOD; Woe to the women that sew pillows to all armholes, and make kerchiefs on the head of every stature to hunt souls! Will you hunt the souls of my people, and will you save the souls alive that come to you?
Topicalbible.org

Ezekiel 13:20
Why thus said the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against your pillows, with which you there hunt the souls to make them fly, and I will tear them from your arms, and will let the souls go, even the souls that you hunt to make them fly.
Topicalbible.org

Library

Essay i. Fortuna Plerumque Est Veluti Galaxia Quarundam Obscurarum ...
... greatly helped a man, yet if they have done for him only what possibly from his
own abilities he might have effected for himself, his good luck will excite ...
/.../confessions of an inquiring spirit etc/essay i fortuna plerumque est.htm

How Important and Necessary it Is, to the Interiour Soul, to ...
... 45. Thy good luck consists not in injoying, but in suffering with quiet
and resignation. St. Teresa appeared after her death to ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap v how important and.htm

The Heathens Made Gods Like Themselves, Whence Springs all ...
... Of such a one Menander gives a comic description in The Superstitious Man:". "A.
Good luck be mine, ye honoured gods! Tying my, right shoe's string,. ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter iv the heathens made gods.htm

He Got up in the Morning as Soon as He Heard the Men Moving In...
... "Well," he said, as he got down again, "I don't know as I should be right
to interfere. Good luck to you, my little man!". "Thank ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 24 he got up.htm

The Blessings of Noah Upon Shem and Japheth. (Gen. Ix. 18-27. )
... The allusion to the signification of the name Gad = good luck [Genesis 30:11: "And
Leah said, For good luck;[5] and she called his name Gad"], is favourable to ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessings of noah upon.htm

Wesley in Aberdeen Again
... Aberdeen, the minister of the adjoining town, and the three ministers of Old Aberdeen,
hitherto seem to have no dislike but rather to wish us "good luck in the ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/wesley in aberdeen again.htm

In the Scilly Isles
... teeth. Our pilot said we should have good luck if we reached the land; but
he knew not Him whom the winds and seas obey. Soon after ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/in the scilly isles.htm

Chapter xxx
... to Jacob for wife. And Zilpah, Leah's handmaid, bore Jacob a son. And
Leah said: Good Luck! and she called his name Gad (Luck). ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxx.htm

The Children were Delighted with the Story, and Made Many Amusing ...
... the morning, as I found best. It might pay for the keep of both of
them,"-that is, if I had good luck. I should like to oblige Mr ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 29 the children were.htm

The Unknown Giver and the Misused Gifts
... "I was a lucky fellow," says one. "Wonderfully fortunate I have always been," says
another; "I have always had good luck." So God is pushed from his throne ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/the unknown giver and the.htm