You might want to try 2nd Timothy Chapter 3 for a start and use a concordence so you can understand some of the Greek words in it. If that doesn't convince you then try reading the entire thing again. Ummm Also have a gander at these
A. They bring poverty, not wealth.
Prov 28:22 (cp. Prov 22:16)
"He that hastens to be rich hath
an evil eye, and considers not
that poverty shall come upon him."
B. The divinely established means of "getting ahead" is by work.
Gen 2:15; 3:19
Exo 20:9
2 Thes 3:10, 11
Eph 4:28
Prov 6:6; 12:11; 20:4
II. The greed (covetousness) that motivates individuals to gamble is sin.
Ex 20:17
Prov 11:28; 15:16; 23:4-5
Gal 5:21
Eph 5:3-5
Phil 4:11-13
Col 3:5
1 Tim 6:6-11, 17-19
III. Gambling is destructive.
A. Spiritually. It affects our walk with God.
1. It indicates a lack of trust in God's ability to provide.
Mat 6:25-34
Luke 12:15
Heb 13:5
1 Tim 6:6-9
2. True riches are spiritual and eternal.
Phil 4:19 "riches in glory in Christ"
Jas 2:5 "rich in faith"
1 Tim 6:18 "rich in good deeds"
Eph 2:4 "rich in mercy"
3. We should look to God as our Source of supply:
Phil 4:19
Eph 3:20
4. Gambling expressly denies God's sovereignty and care.
Mat 10:30
Prov 3:5-6)
5. A form of covetousness, gambling violates the tenth commandment.
Exo 20:17
6. Christians are called to a walk of holiness (separation from the world).
Eph 5:3
1 Thes 5:22
7. Gambling destroys contentment.
I Tim. 6:6, 10
Col. 3:2
Jn 6:27
Matt. 16:26
B. Societally. Gambling destroys families and communities.
1. Gambling robs money from the family, for which parents have a responsibility to provide.
2 Cor 12:14
2 Thes 3:12
1 Tim 5:9
Prov 15:27
2. Gambling distorts our love for our neighbor, exploiting the most vulnerable members of society: the poor.
Phil 2:3-4
Zech 7:9-10
3. Gambling is a bad example to others.
1 Corin 10:31-33
4. Gambling encourages stealing, which increases court costs; stresses out marital relationships by burdening finances ("He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house..." Prov 15:27); and forces reliance upon public assistance, bankruptcy, etc.
C. Personally. Gambling is self-destructive.
1. Gambling destroys our work ethic.
Gen 2:15; 3:19
Exo 20:9
2 Thes 3:10, 11
Eph 4:28
Prov 6:6; 12:11; 20:4
2. Gambling is rooted in greed, the love and craving for money, which is "the root of all evil."
Mat 6:31
1 Tim 6:10
3. Gambling is addicting. God wants us to be free!
Rom 8:21
2 Corin 3:17
Gal 5:1, 13
1 Pet 2:16
2 Pet 2:19
Although the word "gambling" does not appear in the Bible, the practice is clearly condemned in numerous passages of scripture. Gambling is based on the evil desire to get money or goods which belong to someone else without giving fair value in exchange. The Bible calls this sin "covetousness" and makes it clear that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God (Romans 1:28-32).
It helps when you actually understand the meaning of the words in the "holy" book of your own religion. :)
oh here's some more.
1 Timothy 6:9-10 | But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. |
Luke 12:15 | And He said to them, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses." |
Mark 7:20-23 | And He said, "What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man." |
Ephesians 5:3 | But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; |
Colossians 3:5 | Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. |
Hebrews 13:5 | Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." |
Anyway for times sake I just cut and pasted these from some Christian sites....
Since I am not a Christian nor hold those beliefs I can gamble all I want.