Gambling (2)

Gambling (2)
Tim Haile

“But you forsake the Lord, who forget my holy mountain, who set up a table for Fortune and fill cups of mixed wine for Destiny” (Isaiah 65:11). “Fortune” and “Destiny” were Syrian pagan deities of luck and fate. Isaiah cautioned the Jews of his day against worshipping these false gods. Sadly, many people in our present culture share this same admiration for “luck” and “fate.” I have reference to those who engage in the practice of gambling. And though I do not charge these gamblers with worshipping pagan deities, I do charge them with possessing the same mentality as such worshippers. Both are driven by covetousness. Both place their faith in chance, rather than in the providence of God.

I pointed out in last week’s article that gambling is covetousness. Paul told Timothy, “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pangs” (1 Timothy 6:9,10). Many of us know people who have gone down this path and are miserable because of it. But, the worse is yet to come for covetous persons, for the loss of faith is the loss of salvation, which means ETERNAL misery is their fate unless they repent.

I also pointed out that gambling violates the divine principle of economy; the fair exchange of goods and services. “In all toil there is profit…” (Proverbs 14:23), but in gambling, there is no exchange of goods or services. The gambler seeks to take the property of others without giving anything in exchange. This means that gambling, in its basic form, is a type of theft. Studies have actually shown that among gamblers there is a much higher percentage of thieves and embezzlers. This is logical, for such people have grown accustomed to taking (or trying to take) what belongs to others and does not belong to them.

The Gambler “Hastens to be Rich.” The Bible warns against this approach to wealth. Solomon said, “Whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished,” and “A greedy man hastens after wealth, and does not realize that poverty will come upon him” (Proverbs 28:20,22). Perhaps you have seen examples, or heard stories that back up this proverb: “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it” (Proverbs 13:11). Perhaps you have heard stories or read reports of what happens to many lottery winners: their millions are soon squandered, and they end up in worse financial shape than before their winning.
Gambling Destroys Homes: “Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household…” (Proverbs 15:27). Gambling places a terrible strain upon families. Parents are to “save up” for their children (2 Cor. 12:14), but the gambler usually loses his money at his games. His family is neglected, and in many cases, the stress and attendant substance abuse leads to abusive behavior and divorce. Gambling is closely associated with prostitution (and other sexual immorality), drug and alcohol abuse, and an increase in crime (including organized crime). Gambling is destructive to societies and to souls, and must be avoided.

Please join us for worship and Bible study at our building located at 125 Hilltopper Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101. We meet each Sunday at 10:00AM and 6:00PM for worship, and Sundays at 9:00AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM for Bible study. Our radio program is aired each Sunday morning at 8:00AM on the WKCT 930AM band. Phone: (270) 842-2049 – Email: parkwaychurch@yahoo.com or timhaile@mac.com.