Fortune tellers have long fascinated people with their promises of glimpses into the future. Whether it’s tarot cards, palm readings, or astrology, the allure of knowing what’s ahead can be tempting—but what do these predictions really offer, and should we take them seriously?
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About casting out demons
What Does The Bible Say About fortune tellers
Leviticus 19:31
“Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God.”
This verse clearly states that seeking out fortune tellers or engaging with mediums is forbidden. God warns against defilement through such practices, emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance and wisdom solely from Him.
Deuteronomy 18:10-12
“Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD.”
This passage offers a comprehensive list of forbidden practices, including fortune-telling. God makes it clear that these practices are detestable to Him, as they involve seeking supernatural guidance outside of His authority.
Acts 16:16-18
“Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, ‘These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.’ She kept this up for many days. Finally, Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, ‘In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!’ At that moment, the spirit left her.”
This particular incident in the book of Acts demonstrates how even though someone may possess the ability to predict the future, it does not automatically mean their source of power is godly. Paul recognized that the spirit within the slave girl was not from God, but rather a deceiving spirit. Fortune-telling and future prediction can be influenced by demonic forces, leading people astray from the truth of salvation.
Isaiah 47:13-14
“All the counsel you have received has only worn you out! Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month, let them save you from what is coming upon you. Surely, they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up. They cannot even save themselves from the power of the flame.”
In this passage, the futility of relying on astrologers and fortune-tellers is highlighted. God mocks those who trust in the predictions of astrologers, emphasizing their powerlessness to save anyone from future calamities. God alone holds the power to guide and protect His people.
Jeremiah 29:8-9
“For this is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them,’ declares the LORD.”
Here, the false prophets and diviners who deceive people with their dreams and predictions are warned against. God declares that these individuals are speaking lies in His name and have not been sent by Him. It is important to discern and be cautious of those claiming to have prophetic powers or knowledge of the future.
Daniel 2:27-28
“Daniel replied, ‘No wise man, enchanter, magician, or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about. But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come.’
Daniel acknowledges that human powers of enchantment, divination, and fortune-telling are insufficient to reveal the mysteries of the future. Instead, he declares that it is God alone who possesses the ability to reveal what will happen in days to come. Trusting in God’s wisdom and guidance for the future is the path we should follow.
Matthew 7:22-23
“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
Jesus warns that there will be those who claim to have prophesied and performed miracles in His name, yet they will not be known by Him. This serves as a reminder that the gifts of prophecy and miracles do not guarantee acceptance by God if their hearts and motives are not aligned with His will. It is a cautionary message against seeking supernatural knowledge or power for personal gain or the distortion of God’s truth.
1 Timothy 4:1
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”
This verse warns of a future time when some will forsake their faith and turn to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons. Trusting in fortune-telling or seeking guidance from supernatural sources can potentially lead individuals away from the truth of God’s Word and the foundation of their faith.
Isaiah 8:19-20
“When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? Consult God’s instruction and the testimony of warning. If anyone does not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.”
Isaiah confronts the people’s tendency to seek guidance from mediums and spiritists rather than inquiring of God. He questions why they would turn to the dead for advice instead of seeking the living God. The passage emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom from God’s instruction and the testimony of warning found in His Word.
2 Corinthians 11:14
“And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”
Paul warns that Satan can masquerade as an angel of light, meaning he can appear to offer guidance and insight that seems good but is ultimately deceptive. This verse serves as a reminder to be cautious of any supernatural guidance that does not align with the truth and teachings of God.
Proverbs 14:15
“The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.”
This proverb advises against gullibility and encourages discernment. The simple are more likely to believe anything, including the predictions and advice of fortune-tellers, without considering the consequences. The prudent, however, carefully weigh their choices and seek God’s guidance rather than blindly accepting supernatural information.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
This well-known verse emphasizes the importance of trusting in the Lord completely. Instead of relying on our limited understanding or seeking supernatural guidance, we are called to submit to God in all aspects of life and believe that He will guide us in the right direction.
Psalm 118:8
“It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in humans.”
Here, the psalmist reminds us that it is far better to seek refuge and put our trust in the Lord rather than relying on human wisdom or seeking guidance from fortune-tellers. God’s guidance is steadfast and trustworthy.
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
This verse reinforces the importance of seeking guidance from God’s Word. The Bible is described as a lamp that illuminates our path, providing wisdom and direction in every aspect of life. In God’s Word, we can find the true light that leads us away from the darkness of fortune-telling.
John 10:27
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
Jesus affirms that His followers, symbolically referred to as sheep, listen to His voice. As His sheep, we are called to discern and follow His voice, seeking His guidance and wisdom rather than leaning on the predictions of fortune-tellers or seeking supernatural knowledge from other sources.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”
This verse encourages believers to resist conforming to the patterns and practices of the world, which might include seeking fortune-tellers for guidance. Instead, we are called to be transformed by the renewing of our minds and discern God’s will through His Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 5:11
“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”
Paul urges believers to have no association with fruitless deeds of darkness, which include seeking guidance from fortune-tellers. Instead, we are called to expose such practices and choose to walk in the light of God’s truth.
Galatians 5:19-20
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions.”
In the list of acts of the flesh, witchcraft is mentioned as one of the works that are contrary to God’s desires for His people. Seeking predictions from fortune-tellers falls under this category and opposes God’s will for His followers.
1 John 4:1
“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
John advises believers to be discerning and test the spirits, ensuring that they are aligned with God’s truth. This wisdom applies to fortune-tellers as well, as many false prophets exist in the world who claim to possess supernatural knowledge and predictions.
James 1:5-6
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”
In times of uncertainty, rather than seeking guidance from fortune-tellers, believers are encouraged to ask God for wisdom. God promises to give wisdom generously to those who ask in faith, enabling them to navigate through decisions and circumstances with His guidance.
2 Chronicles 33:6
“He sacrificed his children in the fire in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, practiced divination and witchcraft, sought omens, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the LORD, arousing his anger.”
This verse speaks of the actions of King Manasseh, who indulged in various forbidden practices, including consulting mediums and spiritists. Such actions are regarded as evil in the eyes of the Lord, provoking His anger. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning to fortune-tellers and supernatural sources outside of God’s will.
Luke 16:31
“He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”
This passage highlights the importance of paying heed to God’s Word and the teachings of the prophets. Even if someone were to perform miraculous acts, it would not convince those who refuse to listen to the truth found in Scripture. The Bible and its teachings remain the ultimate authority for believers, rather than seeking supernatural signs and predictions.