Frontline Sep/Oct 2023: Investing versus Gambling
Larry Ball
Stewardship is the wise use of the resources and gifts that God has given to us. Most believers would agree that gambling, staking something of value in a game of chance with the hope of greater gain, is not good stewardship. But what about investing? Is there a difference? Or is investing simply a more sophisticated form of gambling? Many believers are reluctant to invest and prepare financially for their future, equating the investment of their limited resources in today’s markets with gambling. Identifying the distinctions between gambling and sensible investing is important for today’s Christian in this modern economy. Proverbs 6:6–8 says, “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.”
Jesus told the story in Matthew 25 of a wealthy landowner who went on a journey and entrusted his goods to his three servants. To one servant he gave five talents, to another two, and to the third, he gave one talent. The first servant traded his five talents and made five in return; the second servant likewise traded his two talents and made two in return. Both of them had a one-hundred-percent return on their investment, which is good in any economy. The third, however, took his talent and buried it, fearing he would lose it. In this story the Lord commends the first two servants who invested their talents and condemns the third who did not properly handle his master’s affairs. He says to the third servant, “Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with [interest]” (Matt. 25:27). Clearly the Lord is encouraging the wise use and investment of our resources.
Scripture also addresses the danger of wealth easily and quickly gained. Proverbs 13:11 says, “Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.” Gambling is taking risks by playing games of chance in the hopes that one will overcome the odds and reap a quick reward. Investing is the expenditure of resources in a manner which expects a reasonable return. However, investing can turn into gambling in some situations.