Although gambling does not explicitly appear in the Bible, its economic principles provide guidance. Christians are advised to invest their earnings wisely through hard work; conversely gambling involves risk and can lead to addiction and debt.
The Bible also cautions against coveting, which can often lead to gambling. Furthermore, Christians are warned not to openly consume coffee when around those struggling with caffeine withdrawal symptoms.
Covetousness
Though the Bible does not explicitly discuss gambling, its principles can certainly apply. One such principle is “Thou Shalt Not Covet,” which requires us not to covet anything that belongs to another, including money or possessions that they own. Gambling violates this principle as well as disregards biblical teachings of love for our neighbors.
The Bible contains references to casting lots, an indirect form of random decision making used for land allotments and temple officials, as well as greed – often associated with gambling – which can lead to all manner of evil acts, including murder, robbery, theft, prostitution and fighting. Greed can lead one down a slippery path which ultimately ends in bloodshed and violence.
Loss of control
Gambling can cause people to lose control of their finances. Gamblers spend money that could have been used for bills or helping those in need; it is a dangerous habit which creates many issues in society.
Gambling also violates biblical stewardship principles. Christians are expected to invest the money and time entrusted to them wisely, as illustrated by Jesus in His parable of the talents. Money spent gambling represents capital that could have been invested more wisely either into a business that would generate greater returns, or used for family needs instead.
However, Christians can enjoy gambling if it is done free from an obsession with money and without taking money away from other financial commitments. Whether this activity is permissible depends on each person’s conscience and convictions.
Discipline
The Bible emphasizes the necessity of discipline as part of Christian living. Discipline trains God’s children to follow His ways with everything they think, do, live and feel; furthermore it involves restrictions and sometimes punishment.
Many Christians view gambling as sinful because it involves chance. However, it should be remembered that all forms of risk don’t automatically lead to sin; for example if a Christian purchases an extravagant car they cannot afford with their salary they are taking an inherent risk that might end in disappointment or failure.
Gambling should not be tolerated because it fosters greed. The Bible warns against coveting and says the love of money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10), as wealth from quick fix schemes quickly dissipates, while hard work brings true prosperity (Proverbs 16:33). Furthermore, gambling often is linked with other vices such as drugs.
Gambling as a form of entertainment
Although gambling isn’t explicitly mentioned as a sin in Scripture, it does warn against money worship and attempts to “get rich quick”. Furthermore, it advises that one shouldn’t live their life solely focused on amassing physical things.
Gambling presents the risk of losing money or possessions and can often result in family problems like divorce, bankruptcy, domestic violence, child abuse and crime – thus prompting Christians to avoid it as much as possible. Church leaders should discourage recreational gambling through preaching against it in sermons and teaching sessions and disciplining irresponsible gamblers; Reformed churches have traditionally utilized Form for the Administration of Lord’s Supper which warns gamblers not to approach its table.
Taxes
Society requires money for proper functioning; taxes ensure people can access services provided by their government, while gambling should never be seen as an acceptable means of spending your funds; it only encourages poor stewardship, encourages covetousness and greed while bypassing honest work; it deceives family members as well as leads to debt and neglect of God-mandated obligations.
Pharisees were trying to trap Jesus when they asked whether paying taxes to Caesar was legal; his response: “Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s.” This didn’t indicate that paying taxes was illegal but instead an act of honoring God and showing respect. Jesus transformed an action meant to humiliate into an action meant to restore dignity; an act which ultimately helped those under subjugation resist!