QUESTION:
"Do you have scriptures on gambling? Is it wrong if you don't hurt
anyone including yourself?"
From FL.
ANSWER:
Dear Mr. ----------------,
There is no one passage that states "Thou shalt not gamble."
However, the Bible is not a book of "thou shalt's" and "thou
shalt not's." If God had dealt with everything in life in this way we
could not haul the Scriptures around. The Bible has many direct commands, but
it also has many divinely given principles on which we are to base our walk of
life. Gambling violates several of these Biblical principles and is therefore
sinful.
1. Gambling violates the principle of Stewardship.
There are many passages that clearly teach that we are to be good stewards
of all that the Lord has given us. (cf. 1Cor. 4:2; Lk. 12:42ff ).
The Scriptures teach our possessions come from the Father in heaven and that
everything ultimately belongs to Him (Ps. 50:10-12). So when one squanders his
money through gambling, he actually has not squandered what is his-- he has
squandered that of which God has made him a steward. Whatever God blesses us
with we must use wisely to His glory. One cannot gamble and be a good steward
of the things with which he has been blessed.
2. Gambling is sinful because it is exploitative of others. Jesus declared,
"Therefore, however you want people to treat you so treat them for this is
the Law and the Prophets" (Matt. 7:12). He also said, "You shall love
your neighbor as yourself" (Matt. 22:39; cf. Rom. 13:10). In gambling, the
object is to try to take advantage of the other party-- to beat them out of
profit. Who is "hurt" when you win? One cannot gamble and follow the
teaching of Christ.
3. Gambling is sinful because it contradicts the work ethic taught in the
Scriptures. The Word of God teaches that men are to work for the earnings they
receive. "For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone
will not work, neither shall he eat" (2Thess. 3:10; also see Gen. 1:19).
The attitude behind gambling is to get rich quick and easy at someone else's
expense. This attitude does not follow the teaching of the Scriptures.
4. Gambling is sinful because it results in lack of self-control. The Lord
requires moderation and self-control / temperance in all things. "But the
fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law"
(Gal. 5:22-23; also see 2Pet.1:5-11).
5. Gambling is sinful because it is a form of covetousness. The word
"covet" means, "eager to have more, i.e. to have what belongs to
others; hence, greedy of gain." Regardless of how large or small the
stakes are, covetousness is the basis of gambling. "Therefore put to death
your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil
desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath
of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience" (Col. 3:5-6). Jesus said,
Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one
has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions" (Lk. 12:15).
6. Gambling is also sinful because it sets a bad example before others. One
must be concerned about their influence for wha