Background Information
Gambling is a common activity found in many cultures throughout the world. Gambling has been a part of human cultures for centuries, some of it for entertainment or fun, and some of it for high stakes. In the Bible, there is no explicit prohibition of gambling, but there are a number of passages that may point to it being considered immoral. The most important passage is found in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, which is one of the most popular translations of the Bible. In this article, we will look at what the Bible has to say about gambling according to the KJV.
Moral Judgments in the Bible
The Bible does not directly address the issue of gambling, but it has a great deal to say about morality and justice in general. It condemns greed, dishonesty and pride, and encourages us to be honest, generous and humble in all of our dealings, including gambling. In the Book of Proverbs, it says: “He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure” (Proverbs 11:15 KJV). This passage shows that those who gamble to win money by taking unnecessary risks are deemed immoral. The Bible also condemns those who take advantage of others in their gambling transactions, as it says: “He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good” (Proverbs 19:8 KJV).
Christian Arguments Against Gambling
Many Christians argue that gambling is a sin based on the general moral principles outlined in the Bible. They argue that it violates the commandment of keeping your possessions to yourself and not gambling them away to get more. They also contend that gambling encourages reliance on chance and luck rather than hard work and personal responsibility. Additionally, they argue that gambling can lead to addiction and create problems in families and relationships.
Non-believers and Gambling
Non-believers often take a more nuanced view of gambling than believers. They may argue that it is not inherently evil, and can even have positive effects depending on the context. For example, in some jurisdictions, gambling is used as a form of taxation or to raise money for public goods and services. They may also point out that gambling has a long history in many cultures, and it can provide entertainment value and a feeling of excitement.
What Does the Bible Say about Gambling?
In general, the Bible does not provide an explicit prohibition of gambling. However, it does contain moral principles that may be seen as pointing to it being considered immoral. In addition, some Christians take a stance against gambling based on their interpretation of the Bible. Non-believers often take a more nuanced view that allows for gambling in some contexts.
Gambling as a Temptation
The Bible speaks to the issue of gambling in terms of temptation and risks. In 1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV, it says: “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” This passage implies that gambling can be a temptation from which it is best to avoid.
Money and Morality
The Bible considers the pursuit of wealth to be a moral issue, and this often extends to gambling. In 1 Timothy 6:10 KJV, it says: “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”. This verse indicates that the love of money leads to sin and suffering, and it has often been interpreted to include gambling.
Gambling and Work
The Bible speaks to the issue of gambling in terms of the importance of hard work and personal responsibility. In Ephesians 4:28 KJV, it says: “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.” This passage encourages us to work hard and be responsible in all of our dealings. It implies that it is better to work for our money than to depend on luck in gambling.
The Wise Use of Money
The Bible also speaks to the issue of gambling in terms of the wise use of money. In Proverbs 21:17 KJV it says: “He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.” This verse implies that those who pursue pleasure through gambling will not have the money to live comfortably.
Gambling, Substance Abuse, and Mental Health
Many people who struggle with gambling addiction also struggle with substance abuse and mental health issues as well. In Proverbs 23:20-21 KJV it says: “Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat; For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.” This passage implies that those who use alcohol, drugs, and food to escape reality are doomed to poverty, which may include poverty brought on by gambling.
Gambling Addiction
Gambling addiction is a serious issue and it is important to be aware of the warning signs of gambling addiction and to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling. Some of the warning signs of a gambling addiction include preoccupation with gambling, excessive gambling to escape reality, and an inability to stop gambling even when it is causing financial or relationship trouble. It is important to remember that gambling addiction can be treated and there is hope for recovery.
Government Regulation of Gambling
In many parts of the world, governments have stepped in to regulate the gambling industry in order to minimize the harm it can cause to individuals, families, and communities. Government regulations typically include age limits, advertising restrictions, and prohibitions on certain types of gambling. Government regulations may also include measures to help those who are addicted to gambling receive treatment.
Conclusion
The Bible does not provide an explicit prohibition of gambling, but it does contain moral principles that may be seen as pointing to it being considered immoral. The Bible speaks to the issue of gambling in terms of temptation and risks, money and morality, and the wise use of money. It also speaks to the issue of gambling in terms of gambling addiction and government regulation. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to determine how they view the issue of gambling in the Bible.
