Gambling Defined with Scripture Applied

You must basically study the word gambling. Webster's dictionary should be adequate enough in finding out what gambling actually is.

Related passage at 1 Corinthians 8 and 10 in terms of not doing something in fear of being a stumbling block to someone else.

Ephesians 4:28 shows it is against work ethic.

Proverbs 13:11 says: Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.

The tenth commandment says, "You shall not covet...You shall not set your desire on your neighbor's house or land...or anything that belongs to your neighbor." Gambling is based totally on coveting what belongs to others.

George Washington was a believer in and frequently quoted the French proverb: "Gambling is the child of avarice (greed), the brother of iniquity and the father of mischief."

Thomas Jefferson said, "Gambling corrupts our dispositions, and teaches us the habit of hostility against mankind."

The great statesman, Benjamin Franklin, said in Poor Richard's Almanac concerning gambling, "Keep flax from fire, youth from gambling."

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" (Philippians 4:8).

"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" (I Timothy 6:10).

"Abstain from all appearance of evil" (I Thessalonians 5:22).

Proverbs 28:20 says: "He that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent."

Proverbs 28:22 says: "He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him."

Proverbs 13:11, says: "Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished; but he that gathereth by labor shall increase."

This condition is contrary to the teaching of the Scriptures which point out that Christians are not to be enslaved to anything (I Corinthians 6:12). One of the characteristics of the life controlled by the Holy Spirit is self-control (Galatians 5:23).

-Jeremy Brown 2002

                     
Gambling: Robbery by Mutual Consent

Below from: http://www.ag.org/top/beliefs/christian_character/charctr_12_gambling.cfm

Why is it so important for Christians to abstain from gambling?

Although "Thou shalt not gamble" is not one of the Ten Commandments, the practice violates some values that Scripture recognizes. In addition to obeying what the Bible teaches explicitly, we must also adhere to the clear inference of Scripture. The principle of stewardship opposes gambling. Christians are to be responsible stewards of all their possessions, including their wealth, and how possessions are used or spent (Psalm 24:1, Matthew 25:14-20). Gambling does not demonstrate responsible stewardship of our resources.

The biblical principle of respecting honest labor and productive work disallows gambling. Seeking to get rich in a way that avoids respectable work violates scriptural truth (Proverbs 12:11, 28:19,20; 2 Thessalonians 3:10). The biblical principle of Christian love towards all human beings opposes gambling. If we love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:39), we cannot engage in profiting from his losses.

Some who wish to defend gambling suggest life itself is a gamble. They rationalize that no one knows when or how one's life will end. At any time catastrophe and sickness can upset their lifelong plans. So why, they ask, when life poses such risk should the church oppose lotteries and gambling?

The differenceone is self imposed, while the other is not. Lotteries, casino gambling, and paramutual betting are completely different from the normal circumstantial risks of life. They are intentionally brought on by temptations of gain. The point is gambling is a voluntary agreement. It is made between two parties to transfer something of value contingent on an uncertain event and resulting in discernible gain for one party and corresponding loss for the other. On the basis of this definition, we believe all forms of gambling are contrary to developing and maintaining wholesome interpersonal relationships as God intends for His people. We take this position in full awareness some advocate the recreational or entertainment value of gambling and the supposed use by government of gambling earnings for social and educational programs. This is an indictment against government. The end (i.e.: more money for education) does not justify the means. If a person really wants to contribute to a worthy cause, they should do so directly and remove all risk taking.

The trumpeted benefits of gambling are illusionary or for the benefit of those willing to take advantage of others. But the pain and hurt of the countless losers of lotteries, casino gambling, and other forms of gambling is real and tragic. It is too often the poor who are exploited by gambling. Of course the industry trumpets the winners but fails to speak of the losers. In additionmoney "winners" of sudden wealth face great temptations and are often 'losers' in the long run.

CONCERNS:
There are gray areas on which Christians have different opinions. Is it all right to invest in the stock market? What about any kind of investment that could result in the loss of one's money? Some theologians see a difference between games of chance and business ventures that involve some degree of skill or informed decisions. One's conscience and commitment to biblical stewardship should be the guide here. Many retirement programs rely on the skill of wise investors, whereas private investment without adequate preparation and background would put investments at great risk, almost a suggestion of gambling. Not only are we "our brothers' keeper," we are also keepers of what God has committed to our careful stewardship.

Another matter for consideration is the biblical use of resources beyond bare essentials. As God blesses our honest work ethic, prosperity is likely to result. How much wealth beyond basic essentials should be put in savings or investments? How much should be "invested" in the Lord's work, even beyond the expected tithe? Asking God's guidance about the wise use of our resources is a mark of good biblical stewardship.

Above from: http://www.ag.org/top/beliefs/christian_character/charctr_12_gambling.cfm

Catholic Encyclopedia:
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06375b.htm

Christian sites about gambling:
http://www.pastornet.net.au/jmm/aasi/aasi0108.htm
http://www.rpc.org/morals/gambling.htm

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" (Luke 12:15).
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