Friends, if you’re curious about ‘Bible verses About Lottery,’ this content is for you. Today, I share Bible verses that will help you better understand the perspective on gambling and lottery according to the Bible. These scriptures offer insight into the biblical view on chance, wealth, and stewardship. While the Bible doesn’t explicitly mention modern lotteries, these verses provide guidance on related principles. Let’s explore what the Word says about seeking sudden wealth and trusting in chance rather than in God’s provision.
Contents
- 1 What Does the Bible Say About Gambling and Lotteries?
- 1.1 Proverbs 13:11 – Wealth gained hastily dwindles
- 1.2 1 Timothy 6:10 – Love of money causes evil
- 1.3 Proverbs 10:4 – Diligence brings wealth, not luck
- 1.4 Ecclesiastes 5:10 – Wealth never satisfies the soul
- 1.5 Proverbs 23:4-5 – Wealth is fleeting, don’t toil
- 1.6 Matthew 6:24 – Cannot serve God and money
- 1.7 Hebrews 13:5 – Be content, avoid greed
- 1.8 Luke 12:15 – Life isn’t about possessions
- 2 Biblical Perspectives on Wealth and Random Chance
- 3 Stewardship and the Lottery: A Christian View
- 4 Is Playing the Lottery a Sin According to Scripture?
- 5 Biblical Alternatives to Lottery Participation
- 6 Reconciling Faith and the Desire for Instant Wealth
What Does the Bible Say About Gambling and Lotteries?
When we consider gambling and lotteries, it’s important to think about what these activities mean for our lives as Christians. The Bible doesn’t mention lotteries directly, but it does guide us on how to approach money and chance. Gambling can lead us away from trusting God’s provision and stewardship. It’s like planting seeds in a garden and expecting them to grow without tending to them. Let’s explore this further.
Proverbs 13:11 – Wealth gained hastily dwindles

Dishonest money dwindles away,
but whoever gathers money little by little makes it growProverbs 13:11
Proverbs 13:11 warns against the fleeting nature of wealth obtained quickly, such as through gambling or lotteries. It emphasizes that true and lasting prosperity comes from diligent work and steady growth, not from sudden windfalls.
1 Timothy 6:10 – Love of money causes evil

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith pierced themselves with many griefs
1 Timothy 6:10
1 Timothy 6:10 warns that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. This verse suggests that the desire for wealth, as seen in gambling or lotteries, can lead to harmful behaviors and spiritual downfall.
Proverbs 10:4 – Diligence brings wealth, not luck

Lazy hands make for poverty,
but diligent hands bring wealthProverbs 10:4
Proverbs 10:4 emphasizes that wealth is achieved through hard work and diligence, not by relying on chance or luck, such as gambling or lotteries. It encourages a focus on consistent effort and responsibility.
Ecclesiastes 5:10 – Wealth never satisfies the soul

Whoever loves money never has enough;
whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.
This too is meaninglessEcclesiastes 5:10
Ecclesiastes 5:10 teaches that a love for money and wealth never fulfills our deepest needs. This verse highlights the emptiness of material pursuits, suggesting that true satisfaction comes from spiritual, not earthly, riches.
Proverbs 23:4-5 – Wealth is fleeting, don’t toil
Do not wear yourself out to get rich;
do not trust your own cleverness.
Cast but a glance at riches, they are gone,
for they will surely sprout wings
fly off to the sky like an eagleProverbs 23:4-5
Proverbs 23:4-5 cautions against exhausting efforts for wealth, highlighting its transient nature. In the context of gambling and lotteries, it warns against the pursuit of quick riches and the illusion of financial security.
Matthew 6:24 – Cannot serve God and money

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one love the other, or you will be devoted to the one despise the other. You cannot serve both God money
Matthew 6:24
Matthew 6:24 emphasizes that one cannot serve both God and money, highlighting the conflict between spiritual devotion and material pursuits. In the context of gambling and lotteries, it warns against prioritizing wealth over faith.
Hebrews 13:5 – Be content, avoid greed

Keep your lives free from the love of money be content with what you have, because God has said“Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you.”Hebrews 13:5
Hebrews 13:5 encourages contentment and warns against the love of money, reminding us that God provides. In the context of gambling and lotteries, it advises against greed and seeking quick wealth, promoting trust in God’s provision instead.
Luke 12:15 – Life isn’t about possessions

Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
Luke 12:15
Luke 12:15 warns against greed, emphasizing that life’s true value isn’t found in material possessions. In the context of lotteries and gambling, it reminds us to focus on spiritual wealth rather than fleeting financial gain.
Biblical Perspectives on Wealth and Random Chance
In our journey with faith, understanding wealth and chance through God’s lens is crucial. Wealth isn’t inherently bad, but how we acquire and use it matters. We often encounter chance in life, but trusting in randomness rather than God’s plan can lead us astray. It’s like relying on luck while ignoring the blessings of hard work and faithfulness. Let’s see what Scripture says about this balance.
Proverbs 16:33 – Outcomes are in God’s hands
The lot is cast into the lap,
but its every decision is from the LordProverbs 16:33
Proverbs 16:33 highlights that while humans may cast lots, the ultimate outcome is determined by God. This verse underscores the belief that divine providence governs events, emphasizing trust in God’s control over randomness and chance.
Matthew 6:19-21 – Treasures in heaven, not earth

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths vermin destroy, where thieves break in steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths vermin do not destroy, where thieves do not break in steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also
Matthew 6:19-21
Matthew 6:19-21 emphasizes prioritizing spiritual wealth over material gains. It advises storing treasures in heaven, highlighting the transient nature of earthly possessions and cautioning against relying on wealth and chance, such as the lottery.
Ecclesiastes 7:12 – Wisdom and money offer protection

Wisdom is a shelter
as money is a shelter,
but the advantage of knowledge is this:
Wisdom preserves those who have itEcclesiastes 7:12
Ecclesiastes 7:12 highlights that both wisdom and money provide protection, but emphasizes the greater value of wisdom. In the context of lotteries, it suggests seeking wisdom over relying on chance for security and wealth.
1 Timothy 6:17-19 – Trust in God, not riches
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, to be generous willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life
1 Timothy 6:17-19
1 Timothy 6:17-19 advises against placing trust in uncertain wealth, urging believers to rely on God. It encourages generosity and good deeds, emphasizing a foundation of true security and eternal life over material possessions.
Proverbs 22:1 – A good name is priceless
A good name is more desirable than great riches;
to be esteemed is better than silver or goldProverbs 22:1
Proverbs 22:1 emphasizes the value of a good reputation, suggesting that integrity and honor are more important than wealth. In the context of lottery, it highlights the lasting worth of character over fleeting financial gain.
James 1:17 – Every good gift from above

Every good perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows
James 1:17
James 1:17 emphasizes that all good and perfect gifts come from God, highlighting divine providence over random chance. This verse suggests that true wealth and blessings originate from God’s grace, not from luck or lotteries.
Stewardship and the Lottery: A Christian View
As Christians, stewardship is about wisely managing the resources God has given us. When thinking about lotteries, we must consider whether it’s a responsible use of our money. Playing the lottery can sometimes reflect a desire for quick gain rather than trusting God’s provision. It’s like wanting to harvest without planting seeds. Let’s dive into the Scriptures about good stewardship.
1 Peter 4:10 – Use gifts to serve others

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms
1 Peter 4:10
1 Peter 4:10 encourages believers to use their unique gifts to serve others faithfully. In the context of the lottery, it emphasizes responsible stewardship and reminds Christians to prioritize generosity and service over personal gain.
Luke 16:10-11 – Faithfulness in small leads to more
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?
Luke 16:10-11
Luke 16:10-11 emphasizes the importance of being faithful in small matters as a foundation for greater responsibilities. In the context of the lottery, it suggests prioritizing stewardship and integrity over gambling for quick wealth.
1 Corinthians 4:2 – Faithful stewardship is required

Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful
1 Corinthians 4:2
1 Corinthians 4:2 emphasizes the importance of faithful stewardship. In the context of lotteries, it encourages Christians to responsibly manage their resources, aligning their actions with God’s principles rather than relying on chance for financial gain.
Proverbs 21:20 – Wisdom preserves valuable resources

The wise store up choice food olive oil,
but fools gulp theirs downProverbs 21:20
Proverbs 21:20 emphasizes wise stewardship, highlighting that prudent choices preserve wealth, while foolishness leads to waste. In the context of the lottery, it underscores the importance of managing resources wisely instead of seeking quick, uncertain gains.
Colossians 3:23-24 – Work wholeheartedly for God

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving
Colossians 3:23-24
Colossians 3:23-24 emphasizes working with sincerity and dedication as if serving God, not humans. In the context of the lottery, it encourages Christians to focus on responsible stewardship and purposeful labor over chance-based gains.
Is Playing the Lottery a Sin According to Scripture?
When pondering if playing the lottery is a sin, we should reflect on the heart and intentions behind it. The Bible guides us to examine our motives and the impact on our faith journey. It’s not just about the action but the desire for quick wealth over reliance on God. It’s like seeking shortcuts on a path meant for growth and trust. Let’s look at some relevant verses.
James 4:13-15 – Life’s uncertainty and God’s will
Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live do this or that.”
James 4:13-15
James 4:13-15 reminds us of life’s uncertainty and emphasizes reliance on God’s will. It cautions against assuming control over our future, which can guide us in considering the unpredictability and potential moral implications of gambling, like the lottery.
Proverbs 28:20 – Faithful prosper, haste leads poverty

A faithful person will be richly blessed,
but one eager to get rich will not go unpunishedProverbs 28:20
Proverbs 28:20 highlights the virtue of faithfulness and warns against the dangers of hastily seeking wealth. It suggests that those who remain steadfast and trustworthy will prosper, while those chasing quick riches, like through the lottery, may face poverty.
1 Timothy 6:9 – Desire for wealth leads to ruin

Those who want to get rich fall into temptation a trap into many foolish harmful desires that plunge people into ruin destruction
1 Timothy 6:9
1 Timothy 6:9 warns that the desire for wealth can lead to temptation and ruin. It suggests that the pursuit of riches, such as through lottery, can result in spiritual and moral downfall.
Matthew 6:33 – Seek God’s kingdom first

But seek first his kingdom his righteousness, all these things will be given to you as well
Matthew 6:33
Matthew 6:33 encourages prioritizing God’s kingdom and righteousness over material pursuits. In the context of lotteries, it suggests focusing on spiritual values rather than relying on chance for financial gain.
Biblical Alternatives to Lottery Participation
Rather than seeking wealth through lotteries, the Bible offers fulfilling alternatives. These alternatives focus on building a life grounded in faith and trust in God. Investing in relationships, community, and spiritual growth can provide more lasting satisfaction than the fleeting allure of instant wealth. It’s about finding joy in the journey with God as our guide. Let’s explore these encouraging passages.
Proverbs 3:9-10 – Honor God with wealth

Honor the Lord with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;
then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
your vats will brim over with new wineProverbs 3:9-10
Proverbs 3:9-10 encourages honoring God with our wealth, promising abundance in return. Instead of seeking quick riches through the lottery, it advocates for faithful stewardship and generosity as pathways to experiencing God’s blessings.
Matthew 25:14-30 – Use talents wisely for God
“Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received five bags of gold went at once put his money to work gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground hid his master’s money“After a long time the master of those servants returned settled accounts with them. The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’“His master replied, ‘Well done, good faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come share your master’s happiness!’“The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’“His master replied, ‘Well done, good faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come share your master’s happiness!’“Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid went out hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’“His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest“‘So take the bag of gold from him give it to the one who has ten bags. For whoever has will be given more, they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping gnashing of teeth.’
Matthew 25:14-30
Matthew 25:14-30 illustrates the importance of using God-given talents wisely. Instead of relying on chance, like lotteries, this parable encourages faithful stewardship and diligent work to honor God and multiply His gifts.
Acts 20:35 – More blessed to give than receive

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Acts 20:35
Acts 20:35 emphasizes the value of generosity, teaching that giving to others brings greater blessings than receiving. This perspective encourages seeking fulfillment through acts of kindness and charity rather than relying on chance, such as the lottery.
Philippians 4:11-13 – Contentment in all circumstances

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength
Philippians 4:11-13
Philippians 4:11-13 teaches us the value of contentment in every circumstance, providing a biblical alternative to seeking wealth through lotteries. It emphasizes relying on God’s strength rather than material gain for fulfillment and satisfaction.
Reconciling Faith and the Desire for Instant Wealth
Balancing faith with the yearning for quick riches can be challenging. The Bible encourages us to align our desires with God’s will, trusting that true fulfillment comes from Him. It’s like choosing a path of steady growth over quick, sandy shortcuts. When we place our trust in God, we find peace beyond material wealth. Let’s see how Scripture guides us in this reconciliation.
Matthew 6:31-33 – Seek God, not material wealth

So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom his righteousness, all these things will be given to you as well
Matthew 6:31-33
Matthew 6:31-33 encourages prioritizing faith over material wealth, emphasizing trust in God for provision. It advises seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness first, rather than pursuing instant wealth, like the lottery, assuring that needs will be met.
Philippians 4:19 – God supplies all your needs

My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus
Philippians 4:19
Philippians 4:19 emphasizes that God provides for our needs, encouraging reliance on His provision rather than seeking instant wealth through means like the lottery, which can divert focus from faith and trust in His plan.
1 Timothy 6:6-8 – Contentment over wealth
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food clothing, we will be content with that
1 Timothy 6:6-8
1 Timothy 6:6-8 emphasizes the value of contentment and warns against the pursuit of instant wealth. It encourages finding fulfillment in godliness and meeting basic needs, rather than seeking riches through means like the lottery.
Proverbs 30:8-9 – Seek contentment, avoid temptation
Keep falsehood lies far from me;
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.
Otherwise, I may have too much disown you
say, ‘Who is the Lord ?’
Or I may become poor steal,
so dishonor the name of my GodProverbs 30:8-9
Proverbs 30:8-9 urges us to seek contentment by praying for neither poverty nor riches. It warns against the temptations of wealth, which can lead us away from faith and reliance on God.
Psalm 37:4 – Delight in God, receive desires
Take delight in the Lord ,
he will give you the desires of your heartPsalm 37:4
Psalm 37:4 encourages believers to find joy in their relationship with God, promising that genuine delight in Him aligns our desires with His will, fostering contentment over fleeting pursuits like instant wealth from the lottery.