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What does the Bible say about is gambling a sin?

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The Bible does not explicitly name gambling as sin, but it warns strongly against the greed, covetousness, false hope, and lack of self-control that often accompany it. Hebrews 13:5 calls believers to be content with God’s provision, while Luke 12:15 warns that life does not consist in possessions. First Timothy 6:9-10 cautions that the desire to be rich can trap and wound people, and Luke 16:13 teaches that no one can serve both God and money. Christians should therefore examine their motives, avoid anything that masters them (1 Corinthians 6:12), provide responsibly, and seek first God’s kingdom (Matthew 6:33).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Hebrews 13:5

    Be free from the love of money, content with such things as you have, for he has said, "I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you."

  • Philippians 4:19

    My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

  • 1 Timothy 6:10

    For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

  • Luke 16:13

    No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. You aren't able to serve God and mammon."

  • Luke 12:15

    He said to them, "Beware! Keep yourselves from covetousness, for a man's life doesn't consist of the abundance of the things which he possesses."

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:22

    Abstain from every form of evil.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:12

    "All things are lawful for me," but not all things are expedient. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be brought under the power of anything.

  • 1 Timothy 6:9

    But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction.

  • Matthew 6:33

    But seek first God's Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.

  • 1 Timothy 6:9-10

    [9] But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction. [10] For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

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