Question: Since Gambling Is Not Mentioned In The Bible, Is It Really Wrong?

Question: Is it a Sin to Have a Part in a State Lottery?

A simple definition of gambling would be: desiring the possession (prize) in an attempt, through chance, to gain the possession of another with nothing given in exchange.

Gambling takes many forms: from card games to dice and numbers, elections and sporting events, lotteries, sweepstakes tickets, slot machines, punch boards, bingo, raffles, or even pitching pennies. Literally anything and everything can be bet on and turned into an evil purpose and scheme.

Whether one is gambling or not does not depend on the amount of risk or the intent of the wager. It may be $5 or $5,000. It may be 50 cents or 1 cent, the principle is the same. Only the amount differs.

Jesus said a tree is known by its fruits (Matthew 7:15-20). What are the fruits of gambling? They are corrupt from the word "go." Gambling conflicts with the Bible in at least six major areas. It violates the principle of:

1) Earning a living through righteous means - "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" (Eph. 4:28).

2) Loving your neighbor as yourself: "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them " (Matt. 7:12).

3) Shunning the appearance of evil: "Abstain from all appearance of evil" (I Thess. 5:22).

4) Being faithful stewards of what God has given us: "it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful" (I Cor. 4:2).

5) Showing a Christ-like example: "Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men" (Rom. 12:17).

6) God's plan for the home (Ephesians 5:23-31).

Gambling is a greedy desire to get something for nothing at the expense of another.  It is not an innocent pastime or an appropriate fund raiser.  It is covetousness, which is idolatry (Col. 3:5). It is not given or authorized by God.  It, therefore, stands condemned by God.  Why not make a living by honest means?  Why prey upon others and depend on their certain destruction in order to "get ahead?"

The principle by which all men are to live is by an honest work ethic. "Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men'' (Rom. 12:17). A lottery seeks to take advantage of others by taking what they have for your own. A lottery is not an honest day's work for an honest day's pay.

A lottery (gambling) involves a winner at the expense of others who participate being losers. The fact that others participate willingly does not matter. Two or more people agreeing to steal does not make it right. Two or more people agreeing to commit fornication does not make it right.

Those who play the lottery are not good stewards with the possessions God has given them. (1 Cor. 4:2). Gambling appeals to one's greed, selfishness, covetousness. The Bible plainly says, ``Thou shalt not covet'' (Rom. 13:9). ``...Covetousness...is idolatry'' (Col. 3:5).

Playing a lottery or gambling for a ``good cause'' does not change the sinfulness of it. Buying chances or raffle tickets is gambling. If you desire to help a good cause, then give them a donation.

A lottery is sin because... It violates the golden rule of doing unto others as you would have them do unto you (Matt. 7:12). It is not a good work by which we should let our light shine before men (Matt. 5:16).

Are you involved in gambling? Repent while you can!