Introduction

The question of whether gambling is a sin is a topic of considerable debate among Christians. While the Bible does not explicitly mention gambling, it provides principles that can guide believers in making informed decisions about this activity. This entry explores relevant biblical teachings and principles that are often considered when discussing the morality of gambling.

Biblical Principles

1. Stewardship and Responsibility

The Bible emphasizes the importance of stewardship and the responsible use of resources. In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus teaches about the importance of wisely managing what God has entrusted to us. The Berean Standard Bible states, "For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away" (Matthew 25:29). This principle suggests that gambling, which often involves risking money irresponsibly, may conflict with the biblical call to be prudent stewards.

2. Love of Money

The Bible warns against the love of money, which can lead to various forms of evil. In 1 Timothy 6:10 , it is written, "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows." Gambling can foster a love of money and a desire for quick wealth, potentially leading individuals away from their faith and into harmful behaviors.

3. Contentment

Scripture encourages believers to find contentment in what they have rather than seeking wealth through uncertain means. Hebrews 13:5 advises, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.'" Gambling often promotes discontentment and the pursuit of more, which can be contrary to the biblical call for contentment.

4. Avoiding Temptation and Sinful Behavior

The Bible instructs believers to avoid situations that may lead to temptation or sinful behavior. In 1 Corinthians 10:13 , Paul writes, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear." Gambling environments can often be associated with other sinful behaviors, such as greed, deceit, and addiction, which Christians are called to avoid.

5. Impact on Others

Christians are called to consider the impact of their actions on others. Romans 14:13 states, "Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way." Gambling can have negative social consequences, including financial hardship and relational strife, which may serve as stumbling blocks to others.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not explicitly label gambling as a sin, the principles of stewardship, contentment, love of money, avoiding temptation, and considering the impact on others provide a framework for evaluating the morality of gambling. These principles suggest that gambling may conflict with the biblical call to live a life that honors God and serves others.1 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.
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1 Thessalonians 4:11
And that you study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
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1 Thessalonians 5:22
Abstain from all appearance of evil.
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Matthew 6:19-21
Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust does corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
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Proverbs 20:21
An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.
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Proverbs 22:16
He that oppresses the poor to increase his riches, and he that gives to the rich, shall surely come to want.
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Whether Drunkenness is a Mortal Sin?
... xli, xlii): "A bishop, priest or deacon who is given to drunkenness or gambling,
or incites others thereto, must either ... Therefore drunkenness is a mortal sin. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether drunkenness is a mortal.htm

Gambling, Card-Playing
... Gambling is dishonest. It seeks something for nothing. Man possesses no money,
that he might risk giving it to some rogue to waste in sin. ...
/.../questionable amusements and worthy substitutes/iii gambling card-playing.htm

The Holy Spirit Convicting the World of Sin, of Righteousness and ...
... to go down to Cottage Grove Avenue to meet some men and spend the afternoon gambling. ...
I saw one man testifying whom I had known in a life of sin, and I waited ...
/.../torrey/the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter vii the holy spirit.htm

The Swelling of Jordan
... of his class, and who had recently buried his wife, sat at the gambling table, staked ...
a man of culture and training would go down under such a sin, God pity ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/the swelling of jordan.htm

He that Doubteth is Damned if He Eat, Because He Eateth not of ...
... And if they persist in doing it, they sin, and are on the way to hell. ... 4. The same
remarks will apply to all sorts of lottery gambling. He doubts. ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/he that doubteth is damned.htm

Practical Observations.
... the Church in its unity, to be kept whole and unparted; the gambling soldiers are ...
4. Christ crucified shows (1) the evil of sin; (1) the greatness of our danger ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/practical observations 35.htm

'Into Thy Hands'
... God has never promised to rescue man when he has got into trouble by his own sin.
Suppose a servant had embezzled his master's money through gambling, and then ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/into thy hands.htm

Seventh Commandment
... Young men by hundreds are being utterly ruined by this accursed sin. ... If he had failed
to pay his gambling debts or was detected cheating at cards, he would ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/seventh commandment.htm

Drunkenness.
... thing about it is, that the first embracing of any sin seems to ... of his father's estate,
practicing his early-learned habits of drinking, gambling, and loafing. ...
/.../judy/questionable amusements and worthy substitutes/ii drunkenness.htm

Ignorance of the Seed Makes no Difference.
... Whatever the sin is, make up your mind that you will gain the victory over it ... They
clothed you and educated you, and now do you spend your nights in gambling? ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/moody/sowing and reaping/chapter vi ignorance of the.htm

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