Is Gambling a Sin?

What negative effects can gambling have on the gambler?

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

The Bible warns that "those who are determined to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many senseless and harmful desires that plunge men into destruction and ruin."  (1 Timothy 6:9)  Gambling is rooted in greed, and greed is so corrosive that the Bible lists "greediness" among behaviors that should be strongly avoided. -Ephesians 5:3

With its focus on easy wealthy, gambling nurtures a love of money-something that the Bible identifies as "a root of all sorts of injurious things."   The desire of money can easily become an overpowering influence in a person's life, leading to an intense anxiety and damaging one's faith in God. Figuratively speaking, the Bible describes those ensnared by the love of money as having  "stabbed themselves all over with many pains." -1 Timothy 6:10. 

Greediness breeds discontent, leaving people dissatisfied with their financial status and robbing them of their happiness.  "A lover of silver will never be satisfied with silver, nor a love wealth with income." Ecclesiastes 5:10.

 Millions lured into gambling have themselves ensnared by a vicious gambling addiction. The problem is widespread, with  millions  of gambling addicts in the United States alone, according to estimates.

One proverb states:  "An inheritance obtained first by greed will not be a blessing in the end." (Proverbs 20:21)  Problem gambling has plunged addicts into debt or even bankruptcy and has cost many of them jobs, marriages, and friendships. Apply the Bible's guiding principles can help a person avoid the negative effects that gambling can have on life and happiness.

Next time: Are There "Seven Deadly Sins"?/ The Bible's answer

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