The Bible doesn’t specifically mention playing cards, but it does provide principles that can guide us in our activities. The focus is on avoiding behaviors that may lead to addiction, idolatry, or wasting time, encouraging believers to choose pastimes that honor God and reflect positive values.
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What Does The Bible Say About Playing Cards
1 Corinthians 6:12
““Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be mastered by anything.”
This verse reminds us that although playing cards may be permissible, we should be cautious and ensure that it is not becoming a source of addiction or control in our lives.
We should always consider the impact and influence of our actions and hobbies, ensuring that they align with the principles of God’s Word and do not hinder our spiritual growth.
Proverbs 13:11
“Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.”
This verse encourages us to pursue honest and diligent work to enhance our financial situation. Playing cards for the purpose of gambling can lead to dishonest practices and the potential loss of hard-earned money.
Instead, it is wiser to focus on responsible stewardship and the value of persistence in our efforts, ensuring that we honor God in our financial decisions.
Proverbs 23:4-5
“Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.”
This verse warns us against the temptation of seeking wealth through quick, risky endeavors like gambling. It teaches us not to put our trust in our own abilities but in God’s guidance and provision.
True riches lie in seeking the Kingdom of God and pursuing righteousness, rather than chasing after fleeting worldly possessions.
1 Timothy 6:9-10
“Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 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.”
This verse warns us about the dangers of an excessive desire for wealth and material gain. Playing cards for the purpose of gambling can easily lead to an unhealthy attachment to money and a neglect of our spiritual well-being.
We should prioritize our relationship with God over earthly pursuits and seek contentment in Him, knowing that true fulfillment does not come from money or possessions.
Ecclesiastes 5:10
“Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.”
This verse emphasizes the emptiness of pursuing wealth and material possessions as the sole source of satisfaction and contentment. Playing cards with the aim of accumulating wealth can lead to a perpetual cycle of discontentment and dissatisfaction.
Instead, we should focus on the pursuit of spiritual wealth and find joy and fulfillment in our relationship with God and the blessings He has already bestowed upon us.
Proverbs 28:22
“The stingy are eager to get rich and are unaware that poverty awaits them.”
This verse cautions against the desire for wealth that drives us to engage in risky behaviors such as gambling. It reminds us that our focus should not be solely on accumulating material wealth, but on using our resources wisely and living in contentment.
We should prioritize generosity and be mindful of God’s provision, trusting that He will meet our needs according to His plan.
Proverbs 28:20
“A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.”
This verse highlights the importance of faithfulness and integrity in our pursuits. Playing cards with the intention of getting rich quickly can lead to negative consequences and potential harm.
Instead, we should focus on cultivating a faithful and righteous character, trusting that God’s blessings will overflow in our lives according to His timing and plan.
Luke 12:15
“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.””
This verse warns against the dangers of greed and the pursuit of material possessions. Playing cards solely for the purpose of accumulating wealth can easily lead us astray and distract us from what truly matters.
Our worth and fulfillment do not come from the abundance of possessions, but from our relationship with God and the impact we have on others through love and service.
Hebrews 13:5
“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.’”
This verse reminds us to find our contentment in God’s presence and provision, rather than pursuing the love of money. Playing cards for financial gain can lead us away from contentment and cause us to place our trust in fleeting riches.
Instead, we should trust in God’s faithfulness, knowing that He will always be with us and provide for our needs according to His perfect will.
Psalm 37:16
“Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked.”
This verse highlights the value of righteousness and faithfulness over material wealth. Playing cards for the sake of amassing wealth can lead us down a path that contradicts the values and principles of righteousness.
We should prioritize living in alignment with God’s commandments and seeking His Kingdom, knowing that true riches are found in our relationship with Him.
Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
This verse reminds us of the temporary nature of earthly possessions and assets. Playing cards for the purpose of accumulating wealth can distract us from the eternal treasures that are found in our relationship with God.
Our focus should be on laying up treasures in heaven through acts of love and faith, rather than seeking material possessions that can be easily lost or destroyed.
Proverbs 16:8
“Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of righteousness and integrity over accumulating wealth through unjust means, such as gambling. Playing cards for financial gain can easily lead us to compromise our moral values and engage in dishonest practices.
Instead, we should prioritize living a life of honesty and righteousness, trusting that God will provide for our needs according to His perfect plan.
Proverbs 11:4
“Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.”
This verse highlights the temporal nature of worldly wealth in comparison to the eternal value of righteousness. Playing cards for the sake of accumulating wealth can distract us from seeking righteousness, which ultimately leads to salvation.
We should prioritize pursuing a life that is pleasing to God and lean on His righteousness, knowing that it will deliver us from the consequences of sin and eternal separation from Him.
Proverbs 10:4-5
“Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth. He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.”
This verse encourages us to be diligent and responsible in our work, rather than seeking wealth through quick and risky endeavors like gambling. Playing cards without considering the value of hard work can lead to laziness and strife.
We should learn to be prudent and responsible stewards of our resources, trusting in God’s provision and using the skills and abilities He has given us to earn a living.
Proverbs 15:27
“The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live.”
This verse reminds us of the destructive nature of greed and the negative consequences it can bring upon us and our families. Playing cards for the purpose of accumulating wealth can easily lead us down a path of greed and selfishness.
Instead, we should cultivate a heart that is focused on generosity, contentment, and the pursuit of righteousness, knowing that it leads to a life of purpose and fulfillment.
Proverbs 20:21
“An inheritance claimed too soon will not be blessed at the end.”
This verse teaches us the importance of patience and wise stewardship when it comes to our resources. Engaging in activities like gambling to acquire wealth can lead to impulsive decisions and may result in the loss of what we have gained.
We should trust in God’s timing and seek His guidance in managing the resources He has entrusted to us, ensuring that we use them in ways that honor and glorify Him.
Proverbs 21:5
“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”
This verse emphasizes the value of diligence, careful planning, and patience in our pursuits. Playing cards for the purpose of gaining wealth quickly can lead to hasty and impulsive decisions that ultimately result in financial loss.
We should learn to be diligent, responsible, and deliberate in our actions, trusting that God will bless our efforts according to His perfect timing and will.
Proverbs 23:17-18
“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.”
This verse reminds us not to compare ourselves or envy those who engage in dishonest practices to gain wealth. Playing cards solely for the purpose of accumulating wealth can easily lead us into envy and discontent.
Instead, we should focus on the fear of the Lord, pursuing righteousness and trusting in the future hope that God has prepared for us, knowing that our hope in Him will never be cut off.
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s Kingdom and His righteousness above all else. Playing cards solely for the purpose of financial gain can distract us from the true source of abundance and provision.
When we prioritize our relationship with God and align our actions with His will, we can trust that He will provide for our needs and bless us according to His perfect plan.
Philippians 4:11-13
“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, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and 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.”
This verse speaks about the importance of contentment in both abundance and lack. Playing cards with the aim of gaining wealth can lead us away from contentment and true fulfillment.
We should learn to be content in all circumstances, relying on God’s strength and provision rather than pursuing wealth through activities that may compromise our values and integrity.
Proverbs 28:25
“The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the LORD will prosper.”
This verse highlights the destructive nature of greed and the conflicts it can create in our lives. Engaging in activities like gambling for the purpose of acquiring wealth can easily lead to greed and strife.
Instead, we should trust in the Lord, knowing that true prosperity comes from pursuing His ways and placing our faith in His guidance and provision.
1 Timothy 6:17
“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.”
This verse reminds us that wealth is uncertain and temporary. Playing cards for financial gain can lead us to put our hope in uncertain riches, rather than placing our trust in God, who is the ultimate provider.
We should seek enjoyment, contentment, and fulfillment in God’s presence and the blessings He has already given us, knowing that He will provide for our needs according to His perfect plan.