Can a Christian Gamble?

In Christian belief, the ability of certain actions can be in debate. One example is whether we can gamble. In this article, we open to give an overview of the topic.

Covetousness and Greed:

If you are gambling for things such as you yearn or desire for money, then this is sinful. "But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil(or all sorts of evil): which while some coveted(or longed or desired) after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows," (1 Timothy 6:9-10 KJV).

Idolatry:

If gambling is becoming an idol or an addiction, this too can be a problem. "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God," (Galatians 5:19-21 KJV).

Pride:

Another way gambling can be problematic is if it is done out of pride. As "... God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble," (James 4:6 KJV). Pride brings us away from God. "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man," (Mark 7:20-23 KJV).

Work Used:

Image by Aidan Howe