Devotions/Partners
Proverbs 13:11 (KJV): “Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.”
COMMENTARY: Here in Connecticut, legalized gambling began in the 1970s when the legislature authorized the Lottery. Then came Jai Alai, dog and horse track racing. Then came two of the world’s foremost gambling casinos. Then came sports betting and online gambling. In a state with so much talent and heritage in manufacturing, healthcare, financial services and other industries, we have embraced, of all things, gambling. By example, we have also contributed greatly to the proliferation of gambling in adjacent states.
Over the years, gambling interests have tried to hire my business seven times,
and seven times I’ve politely and firmly said no. I do not believe that
gambling (they make it more appealing by taking the “b” out and
calling it gaming) is a noble, honorable and honest way to make a living. I
would not prostitute myself by helping gambling interests.
Like David and Goliath, in the 1990s there was a major proposal to build a
casino in downtown Hartford. I was one of the few who fought it. In fact, the
Lord used my small business to help to influence the power brokers in Hartford
to pass it up and say no.
Where have the churches been on this issue? In general, silent and
invisible. Very few pastors warn their flocks not to gamble from the pulpit. In
the meantime, citizens (including church members) are gambling their
hard-earned money away, spending taxpayer public assistance money intended to
be a safety net, getting deep in debt, losing their homes, losing their
savings, losing their marriages, embezzling from employers, and robbing others.
APPLICATION: Do not waste your hard-earned money on any form of gambling, illegal or legal. Beware, it’s a fool’s game. If you have money to spend, why not allocate it for God’s Kingdom? Why not invest it
in people, organizations and resources that generate an eternal return-on-investment?
Joyfully yours,
For Further Exploration
For further exploration about Proverbs 11:24-25 (KJV)，read The Wise Worker is Generous (Proverbs) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.
