Note: All Scripture quotations found in this article are from the text of the Authorized King James Version of the Bible.
Gambling is wrong because it is based on coveting, materialism and greed, which is the love of money. Gamblers are always coveting more money and what they can buy with more money. Gambling is wanting to gain what is not ours in the first place. The Bible speaks against coveting and greed. Coveting is also considered idolatry.
1 Timothy 6:10 "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."
Exodus 20:17 "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's."
Colossians 3:5 "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:"
Proverbs 15:27 "He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live."
Proverbs 28:22 "He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him."
As Christians we should do honest work for our money, not gamble. Gambling promotes a lazy attitude about getting money.
Ephesians 4:28 "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."
2 Thessalonians 3:10 "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat."
Proverbs 13:11 "Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase."
Proverbs 21:25 "The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour. 26 He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not."
Gambling is wrong because it can become very addicting. The Bible tells us not to partake of anything that is addicting. Gambling will get in the way of a Christians spiritual walk with God. Instead of praying, witnessing or reading the Bible, the gambler spends his time trying to win money.
1 Corinthians 6:12 "All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any."
The Bible teaches us to be wise stewards, gambling with money is everything but wise. There is nothing wise about taking a chance on losing money by partaking of a lottery or bet. It has destroyed homes and lead many people to go into debt. No man should take the risk of gambling because his job is to take care and provide for his family. Gambling also gets in the way of properly raising a family. Instead of being at home with his family, the gambler is at a casino or at a sporting event betting money.
Luke 12:42 "And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?"
1 Timothy 5:8 "But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel."
In conclusion, gambling is an insult to God because as Christians we should depend on God to supply our needs. We should be content with what we have already. Gamblers are never content because they always want more. Most of the people that gamble do not set their affections on things above, rather winning money and what it can buy.
Philippians 4:19 "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
Luke 12:15 "And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."
1 Timothy 6:8 "And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."
Hebrews 13:5 "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."
Colossians 3:2 "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."
