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If space permitted, much could be said on this particular point.  Because the Bible does not explicitly say, "thou shalt not gamble," defenders of gambling sometimes say that gambling is not condemned.  I do not recall the word "rape" in the Bible, and yet it is almost universally conceded that it is sinful.  The Bible often specifies a sin by name (Matt. 19:9; Gal. 5:19-21); however, it is a book of principles.  If everything that could be mentioned were mentioned by name, the Bible would be so massive that we could not live long enough to read all of it.  Why is gambling sinful?  

1.  In the first place gambling violates the New Testament obligation of faithful stewardship (I Pet. 4:10).  We are to be faithful and wise stewards (Luke 12:42).  The Lord requires stewards to be faithful.  "Here, moreover, it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful" (I Cor. 4:2).  

Someday we must give account of our stewardship (Luke 16:1,2).  The Bible teaches that God is the owner of the world and all things therein (Psalm 24:1; Ezek. 18:4; Palm 50:10-12).  All belong to the Lord  by generation (Ezek. 18:4), and Christians belong to the Lord by regeneration (Tit. 3:5; I Cor. 6:19,20).  Therefore, no one has the right to foolishly involve himself in taking a risk in gambling away that which belongs to God.

2.  Gambling is sinful because it violates the golden rule.  "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets" (Matt. 7:12).  If one takes his neighbr's possession through skill or chance or in any other way, thus gaining the advantage over him, he is not treating his neighbor as he would like to be treated.

3.  Gambling violates the law of love.  Jesus said that the second greatest commandment was, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself" (Matt. 22:39).

4.  Gambling is sinful because it virtually destroys one's good influence.  "Render to no man evil for evil.  Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men" (Rom. 12:17).

5.  The fruit of gambling is evil (Matt. 17:17,18). It is often accompanied by greed, crime and corruption.  It frequently robs children of food and clothing.  It destroys homes.  Many of the works of the flesh are associated with it, and as Paul says, "such like" (Gal. 5:19-21).

Garland Elkins, The Spiritual Sword, Vol. 19, No. 22 January 1988

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