Fortune telling, astrology, and other methods of predicting the future have long intrigued people, but what does the Bible say about these practices? Scripture warns against seeking knowledge from sources outside of God. Understanding the spiritual dangers of fortune telling can help believers avoid these practices and trust in God’s guidance.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Sex During Fasting
What Does The Bible Say About Fortune Telling
Deuteronomy 18:10-12
“There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord.”
This verse highlights that engaging in fortune-telling practices such as divination, interpreting omens, or seeking guidance from the dead goes against the will of God and is considered an abomination. God desires His people to rely on Him for guidance and to trust in His divine plan.
Engaging in fortune-telling not only shows a lack of faith in God’s providence but also opens the door to demonic influences. As Christians, our trust should be in the Lord and His Word, seeking His guidance through prayer and dependence on the Holy Spirit.
Isaiah 8:19
“And when they say to you, “Inquire of the mediums and the necromancers who chirp and mutter,” should not a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living?”
This verse emphasizes the futility of seeking guidance from mediums and necromancers instead of seeking God. It challenges the people to question why they would rely on the dead for answers when they have access to the living God who is all-knowing and all-powerful.
As Christians, we are called to seek God’s guidance through prayer and study of His Word. He is the source of wisdom and understanding, and He desires to direct our steps. Putting our trust in fortune-telling practices diminishes our faith in God’s ability to lead and guide us.
Leviticus 19:26
“You shall not eat any flesh with the blood in it. You shall not interpret omens or tell fortunes.”
This verse is part of God’s commandments to the Israelites, which includes a prohibition against interpreting omens and telling fortunes. God wanted His people to rely on Him alone and not on superstitions or occult practices.
As Christians, we should refrain from seeking guidance through fortune-telling, as it goes against God’s commands. Instead, we are called to trust in the Lord and seek His guidance through prayer, seeking godly counsel, and studying His Word.
Isaiah 47:13-14
“You are wearied with your many counsels; let them stand forth and save you, those who divide the heavens, who gaze at the stars, who at the new moons make known what shall come upon you. Behold, they are like stubble; the fire consumes them; they cannot deliver themselves from the power of the flame.”
This verse portrays the futility of seeking guidance from those who practice divination and study the stars. It emphasizes that these practices are powerless and cannot save or provide true insight into the future.
As Christians, we are called to put our trust in God alone. Seeking guidance from fortune-tellers or astrologers detracts from our reliance on God’s wisdom and provision. We must remember that God is the one who holds our future, and we can confidently place our trust in His loving and all-knowing hands.
Acts 16:16-18
“As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour.”
This passage recounts the encounter between Paul and a girl who possessed a spirit of divination. This girl had the ability to tell fortunes, and her owners exploited her for financial gain. However, Paul recognized the source of her power and commanded the spirit to come out of her in the name of Jesus.
This passage demonstrates that as Christians, we should not support or participate in fortune-telling practices. Instead, we are called to discern and confront anything that is not in alignment with God’s truth and power. Our faith should be in Jesus Christ and His authority over all spiritual forces.
Galatians 5:19-21
“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
In this verse, sorcery is listed among the works of the flesh, indicating that it is a sinful practice. Those who engage in such practices are warned that they will not inherit the kingdom of God.
As Christians, we are called to live according to the Spirit, not the flesh. This includes abstaining from fortune-telling or any form of sorcery. Our focus should be on pursuing holiness and righteousness, aligning our lives with God’s will and purpose.
Acts 19:18-19
“Many also of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver.”
This passage describes the response of believers who had previously engaged in magic arts and fortune-telling. Upon embracing their faith in Jesus, they confessed their practices and publicly repented by destroying their books of magic, demonstrating their commitment to forsake these sinful practices.
As followers of Christ, we should likewise turn away from any involvement in fortune-telling or magic arts. True repentance involves a complete transformation and turning away from sin. We must not entertain or support practices that are contrary to God’s Word.
Micah 5:12-13
“And I will cut off sorceries from your hand, and you shall have no more tellers of fortunes; and I will cut off your carved images and your pillars from among you, and you shall bow down no more to the work of your hands; and I will root out your Asherah images from among you and destroy your cities.”
This verse speaks of God’s judgment and promise to put an end to sorceries, fortune-telling, and idolatry. It emphasizes that these practices are detestable to the Lord and will be eradicated.
As Christians, we should not participate in or support practices that are condemned by God. We must align ourselves with His will, rejecting any form of occultism, and placing our trust in Him alone.
Revelation 21:8
“But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
In this verse, sorcerers are listed among those who are destined for judgment. It highlights the seriousness of engaging in sorcery and aligning oneself with practices that are contrary to God’s commandments.
As Christians, we are called to live lives that honor God, avoiding participation in sorcery or any form of occultism. Our hope is in Christ and His redeeming work, and we must strive to walk in obedience to His teachings.
Leviticus 20:6
“If a person turns to mediums and necromancers, whoring after them, I will set my face against that person and will cut him off from among his people.”
This verse illustrates God’s strong stance against those who turn to mediums and necromancers for guidance. He declares that He will personally oppose and remove those who engage in these practices from His people.
As Christians, we must be mindful of the seriousness of seeking guidance through fortune-telling or any form of occultism. We should instead pursue a deeper relationship with God and seek His direction through prayer, studying His Word, and seeking wise counsel.
2 Kings 21:6
“And he burned his son as an offering and used fortune-telling and omens and dealt with mediums and with necromancers. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, provoking him to anger.”
This verse describes the actions of King Manasseh, who engaged in numerous occult practices, including fortune-telling and consulting with mediums and necromancers. His actions were displeasing to God and provoked His anger.
As believers, we should take this account as a warning and avoid any involvement in fortune-telling or the occult. Our desire should be to please God and live in a manner that is pleasing to Him.
Leviticus 19:31
“Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the Lord your God.”
This verse gives a clear instruction from the Lord to His people, commanding them not to turn to mediums or necromancers. By seeking out these practices, they would defile themselves and distance themselves from the holiness of God.
As Christians, we should heed this command and refrain from participating in any form of fortune-telling or seeking guidance from the dead. Instead, we should seek the Lord and rely on His wisdom and guidance as we navigate through life.
Acts 8:9-11
“But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic.”
This passage introduces Simon, a man who had practiced magic and cultivated a reputation as someone of great power. Many were captivated by his abilities and regarded him highly.
However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that true power and authority come only from God. As Christians, we must discern the source of supernatural abilities and avoid being deceived by false claims. Our trust should be in God, who alone possesses ultimate power and authority.
2 Chronicles 33:6
“And he burned his sons as an offering in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom and used fortune-telling and omens and sorcery, and dealt with mediums and with necromancers. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, provoking him to anger.”
This verse describes the actions of King Manasseh, who engaged in various occult practices, including fortune-telling, sorcery, and necromancy. His actions were wicked in the sight of God and provoked His anger.
As Christians, we should avoid any involvement in fortune-telling or any form of sorcery and occultism. God desires us to walk in obedience and holiness, abstaining from practices that are contrary to His commands.
2 Chronicles 33:3
“For he rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had broken down, and he erected altars to the Baals, and made Asherahs, and worshiped all the host of heaven and served them.”
In this verse, King Manasseh is described as engaging in idolatrous practices. He rebuilt the altars to false gods and worshiped the host of heaven, which includes sorcery and astrology.
As Christians, we are called to worship and serve the one true God, rejecting any form of idolatry or false worship. This includes avoiding fortune-telling and other practices that place trust in anything other than God.
Isaiah 44:25
“Who frustrates the signs of liars and makes fools of diviners, who turns wise men back and makes their knowledge foolish.”
This verse speaks of God’s ability to frustrate the signs and predictions of liars and those who practice divination. It emphasizes His supremacy and the folly of relying on human knowledge and understanding.
As Christians, our trust should be in the wisdom and guidance of God, who surpasses all human knowledge and understanding. Any reliance on fortune-telling or divination detracts from our trust in God’s sovereignty and His perfect plan for our lives.
Isaiah 47:9
“These two things shall come to you in a moment, in one day; the loss of children and widowhood shall come upon you in full measure, in spite of your many sorceries and the great power of your enchantments.”
In this verse, God pronounces judgment upon the people who relied on sorcery and enchantments. It emphasizes that these practices provide no protection or deliverance when facing the consequences of their sins.
As Christians, we should never place our faith in fortune-telling or any form of enchantments. Our trust should be in the Lord, who is the source of true protection, deliverance, and comfort.
Isaiah 2:6
“For you have rejected your people, the house of Jacob, because they are full of things from the east and of fortune-tellers like the Philistines, and they strike hands with the children of foreigners.”
This verse highlights the sinful actions of the people of God, who had embraced fortune-telling practices and aligned themselves with foreign nations. Their disobedience and reliance on divination caused God to reject them.
As Christians, we must guard against adopting practices that are contrary to God’s commands and ways. Our identity is in Christ, and we should live in a manner that is distinct from the world, rejecting fortune-telling and seeking guidance through prayer and the study of God’s Word.
Daniel 2:27-28
“Daniel answered the king and said, “No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show to the king the mystery that the king has asked, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days.””
When faced with the request to interpret a dream, Daniel sets himself apart from the wise men, enchanters, magicians, and astrologers who relied on their own abilities. He points to God as the true source of revelation and declares that God alone can reveal mysteries.
As Christians, we should follow Daniel’s example and recognize that God is the ultimate source of wisdom and understanding. Relying on fortune-telling or astrology falls short of acknowledging God’s sovereignty and His ability to guide us.
Acts 13:6-11
“When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus. He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. But Elymas the magician (for that is the meaning of his name) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, ‘You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.’ Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand.”
In this account, Paul encounters a magician named Bar-Jesus who tries to hinder the proconsul from hearing the word of God. Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, rebukes him and declares that he will be struck blind for a time. God’s power is ultimately victorious over the deceptive practices of the magician.
As believers, we must not allow ourselves to be deceived or influenced by those who practice fortune-telling or magic arts. Instead, we should boldly stand for the truth of God’s Word and rely on His power to overcome any opposition.
Deuteronomy 18:14
“For these nations, which you are about to dispossess, listen to fortune-tellers and to diviners. But as for you, the Lord your God has not allowed you to do this.”
In this verse, God distinguishes His people from the surrounding nations who listened to fortune-tellers and diviners. He explicitly prohibits the Israelites from engaging in such practices, emphasizing that He has not allowed them to do so.
As Christians, we must honor God’s commandments and refrain from participating in fortune-telling or any form of occultism. Our allegiance is to God alone, and we should seek His guidance and wisdom through prayer and the study of His Word.
Exodus 22:18
“You shall not permit a sorceress to live.”
This verse showcases the seriousness with which God views sorcery. He commands that a sorceress should not be allowed to live, indicating His strong disapproval of engaging in such practices.
As Christians, we are not called to take matters into our own hands in terms of punishment, but we should wholeheartedly reject any involvement in sorcery or fortune-telling. Instead, we should seek to live lives that reflect God’s love, grace, and truth.
Acts 19:19
“And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver.”
This passage describes the response of individuals who had previously practiced magic arts. Upon embracing their faith in Jesus, they renounce their former practices by burning their books of magic, displaying their commitment to part ways with these sinful pursuits.
As followers of Christ, we should follow the example of these individuals by completely rejecting any involvement in fortune-telling or magic arts. Our lives should be characterized by a sincere desire to live for God and honor Him in all that we do.