I am not a gambler, but sometimes in social settings people make bets, such as basketball games, football games, whether or not... bets and so on; and i want to know would it be wrong to gamble just to be social with other people.
2007-01-01 14:48:21 · 20 answers · asked by Changed 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I was once told by a pastor that... if it doesn't say directly in the bible not to.. for example jesus drank wine..lots of people fight over that.. then you must set your own standard and do whats on your heart.. drunkeness is wrong.. but is a few drinks? so as long as you don't make gambling out to be an idol like people do with money and stuff... and your not obsessed then i don't think it is.. so if you come to peace in your heart that its wrong and you do it anyways then yes thats bad.. but if you come to see its not.. then to be social with others should be fine but ultimately you will have to make the decision on your own
2007-01-01 14:52:32 · answer #1 · answered by Mikentab R 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Making bets with friends isn't the same thing as gambling. Gambling (to me) is more organized than that, and often for more significant sums of money.
Small groups sometimes have 50/50 raffles. Sometimes for a fair amount of money. If you have the money and consider it support, with a chance to win something, I'd say that's ok.
If you find yourself spending more and more money though, you might be developing a problem. When what you do for fun takes increasing control over your life, an addiction may be developing, and this is a problem.
Perhaps prohibitions against gambling are to prevent that cycle of addiction.
2007-01-01 22:54:12 · answer #2 · answered by Deirdre H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gambling can be defined as “risking money in an attempt to multiply the money on something that is against the odds.” The Bible does not specifically condemn gambling, betting, or the lottery. The Bible does warn us, however, to stay away from the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10; Hebrews 13:5). Scripture also encourages us to stay away from attempts to "get rich quick" (Proverbs 13:11; 23:5; Ecclesiastes 5:10). Gambling most definitely is focused on the love of money and undeniably tempts people with the promise of quick and easy riches.
2007-01-01 22:52:40 · answer #3 · answered by What, what, what?? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Definitely. When you gamble you are transgressing the tenth commandment which says: Do not covet. A gambler is a person who covet something that do not belong to him. Trying to strike it rich without effort or honest labour. Some were successful in getting something that other people owned in the beginning. Most of gamblers are losers. Only one or two gain something at the expense of the others. There is the spirit of greediness there, and the game of legalized thievery or robbery.
2007-01-01 22:53:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I believe it is, because it seeks gain for nothing; from slothfulness. Most true hard-core gamblers would sell their children's shoes for a buck, and how is that following scriptural guidelines that a man is to be the breadwinner and caretaker of his family? They think they can get something for nothing, but it's usually at the expense of their family and sometimes even their own life. I speak from experience. I lost a brother to suicide who was a gambler. He had a beautiful wife and little girl, and a family who loved him, but it wasn't enough. It NEVER is!
2007-01-01 22:54:50 · answer #5 · answered by lookn2cjc 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think that's a good question. When the super bowl comes along, I buy a couple of squares at the office pool. Is that wrong? I'm not sure. I don't gamble anymore (I used to like Las Vegas, no more), and I don't buy lottery tickets anymore. I'm not sure how to answer your question other than for both of us to take our questions about this before God, and seek His guidance. I guess that's always the best route, don't you think? Thanks for asking.
2007-01-01 23:23:53 · answer #6 · answered by Esther 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes: To Gamble is desire or covet neighbor"s money
God said we are to earn--work.
Gambling is as you say,started out ,Hey Mack buy one square on this football game--just to make game exciting,next it was all of paycheck.---It is a stronghold for the Devil,like Porn-Drugs-
Don"t give an inch to the Devil-----He will take your Smile and Laugh at you.
2007-01-01 23:02:06 · answer #7 · answered by section hand 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it is only wrong from the standpoint of worshipping other gods, which all other sins are. Belief in luck, for example, like there is some supernatural force acting in your favor so you can win. I think it's fine if it is done in fun only and does not become an addiction. Common sense tells us the same thing.
The Bible scholars on here might have a better answer for you.
2007-01-01 22:52:19 · answer #8 · answered by Nels 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think God would think of gambling as foolish, but not a sin. Unless it does damage on other people then I would say yes. For instance if you gamble and your kids can't eat. But a lot of people call something gambling when in reality its a skill. Like texas holdem.
Gambling is not greed. Barry Greenstein gives 100 percent of his winnings to charity. Tell me that is greed.
2007-01-01 22:52:13 · answer #9 · answered by ۞ JønaŦhan ۞ 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
somewhere in it the bible and every other holy book forbids just about everything. depends on the interpretation.
current interpretation is that gambling is a sin in foolishness according to the fanatics, but most people agree its not a sin just stupid in some circumstances.
2007-01-01 23:31:28 · answer #10 · answered by implosion13 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋