Is it wrong (in Jehovah’s Witnesses eyes) to gamble or benefit from the money that was won?
We are going to Vegas in a couple of weeks. I am not a big gambler and never have been. It’s not due to my religion or anything. I just choose not to waste a lot of money on it, and when I win something I walk away. My husband is on his way to getting baptized and becoming a Jehovah’s Witness, so he doesn’t gamble either. I don’t think he has ever gambled. But I am wondering if I put $50 in the slot machine and win $50,000 could he spend it with me? I mean, he is my husband and I would offer him half of the money or at least buy us both something with the money. Jehovah’s Witnesses can’t do this or do that on many other things, so I am wondering if he could, from a spirituat point of view, benefit from that money in any way. The same question would apply for a lottery. Let’s say I played for $300 million dollar jackpot and won. How would that work?
Ray Dub: That may be true, but what confuses me is the purpose and the outcome of the situation. The purpose of gambling is the win money. If JW’s are against that, then how in the world can they benefit from the money. Had it not been for gambling and winning there wouldn’t have been any money to split or offer to them.
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.
What’s wrong with gambling? Gambling is a difficult issue because if it is done in moderation and only on occasion, it is a waste of money, but it is not necessarily "evil." People waste money on all sorts of activities. Gambling is no more or less of a waste of money than seeing a movie (in many cases), eating an unnecessarily expensive meal, or purchasing a worthless item. At the same time, the fact that money is wasted on other things does not justify gambling. Money should not be wasted. Excess money should be saved for future needs or given to the Lord’s work – not gambled away.
Gambling in the Bible: While the Bible does not explicitly mention gambling, it does mention games of "luck" or "chance." As an example, casting lots is used in Leviticus to choose between the sacrificial goat and the scapegoat. Joshua cast lots to determine the allotment of land to the various tribes. Nehemiah cast lots to determine who would live inside the walls of Jerusalem and who wouldn’t. The apostles cast lots to determine the replacement for Judas. Proverbs 16:33 says, “The lot is cast in the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” Nowhere in the Bible is gambling or "chance" used for entertainment or presented as an acceptable practice for followers of God.
Casinos and lotteries: Casinos use all sorts of marketing schemes to entice gamblers to risk as much money as possible. They often offer inexpensive or even free alcohol, which encourages drunkenness, and thereby a decreased ability to make wise decisions. Everything in a casino is perfectly rigged for taking money in large sums and giving nothing in return, except for fleeting and empty pleasures. Lotteries attempt to portray themselves as a way to fund education and/or social programs. However, studies show that lottery participants are usually those who can least afford to be spending money on lottery tickets. The allure of "getting rich quick" is too great a temptation to resist for those who are desperate. The chances of winning are infinitesimal, which results in many peoples’ lives being ruined.
Why lottery proceeds do not please God: Many people claim to be playing the lottery or gambling so that they can give the money to the church, or to some other good cause. While this may be a good motive, reality is that few use gambling winnings for godly purposes. Studies show that the vast majority of lottery winners are in an even worse financial situation a few years after winning a jackpot than they were before. Few, if any, truly give the money to a good cause. Further, God does not need our money to fund His mission in the world. Proverbs 13:11 says, “Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.” God is sovereign and will provide for the needs of the church through honest means. Would God be honored by receiving donated drug money, or money stolen in a bank robbery? Neither does God need or want money that was "stolen" from the poor by the temptation for riches.
1 Timothy 6:10 tells us, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." Hebrews 13:5 declares, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Matthew 6:24 proclaims, "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."
March 15th, 2010 at 2:23 am
That’s funny. I just asked this to my grand pop (Who’s been a witness for over 50 years) and he said it’s cool. If my dad or sibblings won 30 Million$ it’s not like I won it. They’re just offering money he said. So it’s cool.
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March 15th, 2010 at 2:34 am
years ago, my late husband and I would order pizza and the man would put lottery tickets on the box, but we always gave them back and told him we where witnesses and don’t gamble. we did ask an elder and he said that since we did not buy the tickets and the numbers came out and we won money that we could take the money.
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March 15th, 2010 at 3:13 am
Vot does not know what personal decision your husband would make.
Vot’s parents still have the responsibility to support Vot (yeah, Vot is that "young" lol) and so I accept whatever $$$ they give me, I don’t know (or care) where it is from.
If it is shoddy money, that is their business.
Your husband may view that whatever money you bring into the home is to be used by both of you. Or he may take exception to the fact that the money was won by gambling.
Once again (and Vot is starting to sound like a broken record here [or is it scratched CD] lol) talk to your husband about it, not a bunch of strangers.
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March 15th, 2010 at 4:01 am
My daughter and I went to Las Vegas because she won an award with the company she works for.
We were there for 3 days and did not gamble at all.
It is considered ill gotten gain, and she and I both refused the tokens some were trying to give out in order to get you in.
Sis, I’ll save you some walking, for $5 a day or $20 a month, you can take the public transportation (bus) up and down the strip. Ride from one end to the other for an extra special trip when your too tried to get off the bus.
Taxis are expensive, but about the same as the shuttle from the airport to the motel, and the taxi is faster than the shuttle.
Also, take of cash, everyone there expects to be tipped, I found no one who would take an out of state check and the ATM’s vary as to how much they charge for cash withdrawals from motel to motel.
Have fun, we did, we were both so tired, we slept on the plane on the trip home from Vegas.
http://www.watchtower.org
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March 15th, 2010 at 4:26 am
This reminds me of my first time I went to the casino (Before I was studying).
I went there with $60 and walked away with $450. I was like "WOW THAT WAS GREAT!!" I stopped playing (blackjack) the minute I started losing and walked away with almost $400 extra.
The second time I went with $60, lost it in 10 minutes, and never gambled again. I thought "Wow, that sucked."
From a spiritual perspective, I never thought about it because I had already given it up before I began studying. I guess it is the danger of addiction that gambling poses, which can jeopardize a witness’s spiritual relationship with God. But this article may help you get a clear understanding on how Jehovah’s Witnesses view the issue.
http://www.watchtower.org/e/20020722/article_02.htm
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March 15th, 2010 at 4:59 am
Hi,
What a wonderful wife you must be by taking into consideration your husbands beliefs and conscience.
Please allow me to explain.
On the gambling scene, there is only one winner and many losers. This is in direct conflict to the teachings of Jesus who always put others before himself. When we say "good luck" what we really mean is "I hope you win and everyone else fails". Yes I know that sounds strong but please think about it.
With Jehovah there are no losers only ones who make a conscious choice not to enter into his love.
“You men are those leaving Jehovah, those forgetting my holy mountain, those setting in order a table for the god of Good Luck and those filling up mixed wine for the god of Destiny.” (Isaiah 65:11)
As you can see from the scripture there are many false gods who would want to persuade us away from worshipping the true God. This is why your husband has chosen not to indulge in the games of the god of good luck.
Now what if you win a large amount of money?
Then your husband will have to make a choice.
He leaves you until the money has been spent, not a very kind, responsible christian thing to do, or he, with you, enjoys the proceeds knowing that no matter how much you now have Jehovah will still come first in his life.
Of course you could always give it away. lol
The bible says that it is the "love" of money that is the root of all evil, money is just a commodity to enable us to live. So with the right attitude your husband could "benefit" as you put it and with a clean consciense.
I hope I have explained so that you understood.
Oh and enjoy your holiday.
x x x
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March 15th, 2010 at 5:30 am
it was funny, well I was at home while my husband was away. he told me he will fly to Las Vegas airport then wait for another depart to fly home. anyway, I never been to that city. I heard and I don’t trust any of that stuff.
so my husband is tell me funny stories that I never heard in any airport where there were slot machine.. so he only got 2 dollar and ask for his sister for 3 or 5 dollar. so he once drop in and it give him like 6 dollars for himself and give his sister back the money. It was funny Las Vegas. I am so glad he use it once and depart home.
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March 15th, 2010 at 5:42 am
It’s something that we as Christians need to meditate carefully. We know for a fact according to the scriptures it’s wrong to gamble,because we’re trusting in the God of Good Luck. Let’s say somebody gives you a certain amount of money, and you take it, and spend it, and this happens two or three times,finally you ask the person,why are you so generous?where is this money coming from? and he says, from drug dealing. (which is also against God’s law). Would you continue taking it and promoting what this person is doing, or would you have the love and courage to tell this person that he is doing wrong,and he can get into trouble.And tell him that Jehovah does not approve of it? In the end it’s up to each individual.
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March 15th, 2010 at 6:00 am
Jehovah’s Witnesses do not gamble.
A Jehovah’s Witness would have to prayerfully examine his own conscience before accepting a gift from among the proceeds of another’s gambling. The principle seems similar to the first-century question about the propriety of eating meat that had temporarily been used in false worship. While Christianity requires the rejection of improperly-bled meat, the rejection of well-bled meat momentarily used in pagan sacrifice was not so clearly objectionable.
.. ..(1 Corinthians 10:25-28) Everything that is sold in a meat market keep eating, making no inquiry on account of your conscience; 26 for “to Jehovah belong the earth and that which fills it.” 27 If anyone of the unbelievers invites you and you wish to go, proceed to eat everything that is set before you, making no inquiry on account of your conscience. 28 But if anyone should say to you: “This is something offered in sacrifice,” do not eat on account of the one that disclosed it and on account of conscience.
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March 15th, 2010 at 6:29 am
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.
What’s wrong with gambling? Gambling is a difficult issue because if it is done in moderation and only on occasion, it is a waste of money, but it is not necessarily "evil." People waste money on all sorts of activities. Gambling is no more or less of a waste of money than seeing a movie (in many cases), eating an unnecessarily expensive meal, or purchasing a worthless item. At the same time, the fact that money is wasted on other things does not justify gambling. Money should not be wasted. Excess money should be saved for future needs or given to the Lord’s work – not gambled away.
Gambling in the Bible: While the Bible does not explicitly mention gambling, it does mention games of "luck" or "chance." As an example, casting lots is used in Leviticus to choose between the sacrificial goat and the scapegoat. Joshua cast lots to determine the allotment of land to the various tribes. Nehemiah cast lots to determine who would live inside the walls of Jerusalem and who wouldn’t. The apostles cast lots to determine the replacement for Judas. Proverbs 16:33 says, “The lot is cast in the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” Nowhere in the Bible is gambling or "chance" used for entertainment or presented as an acceptable practice for followers of God.
Casinos and lotteries: Casinos use all sorts of marketing schemes to entice gamblers to risk as much money as possible. They often offer inexpensive or even free alcohol, which encourages drunkenness, and thereby a decreased ability to make wise decisions. Everything in a casino is perfectly rigged for taking money in large sums and giving nothing in return, except for fleeting and empty pleasures. Lotteries attempt to portray themselves as a way to fund education and/or social programs. However, studies show that lottery participants are usually those who can least afford to be spending money on lottery tickets. The allure of "getting rich quick" is too great a temptation to resist for those who are desperate. The chances of winning are infinitesimal, which results in many peoples’ lives being ruined.
Why lottery proceeds do not please God: Many people claim to be playing the lottery or gambling so that they can give the money to the church, or to some other good cause. While this may be a good motive, reality is that few use gambling winnings for godly purposes. Studies show that the vast majority of lottery winners are in an even worse financial situation a few years after winning a jackpot than they were before. Few, if any, truly give the money to a good cause. Further, God does not need our money to fund His mission in the world. Proverbs 13:11 says, “Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.” God is sovereign and will provide for the needs of the church through honest means. Would God be honored by receiving donated drug money, or money stolen in a bank robbery? Neither does God need or want money that was "stolen" from the poor by the temptation for riches.
1 Timothy 6:10 tells us, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." Hebrews 13:5 declares, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Matthew 6:24 proclaims, "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."
References :