What kind of fruit does it produce? Jesus gave us a way to evaluate such matters—what we might call the “fruit test.” Whatever the topic, teaching, or activity, we can measure it by the fruit it produces. Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore, by their fruits you will know them” (Matt. 7:16-20 NKJV). Now within the context this passage was dealing directly with false teachers, but the principles can still apply in activities of life.
Two questions asked by brother Don Blackwell, in his book titled “The Truth About Moral Issues,” are as follows: (1) “When legalized gambling arrives in a new community, does it raise the moral standards of that community?” (2) “Does it help to lessen the hardship of families in the area?”[1] Studies show that casinos and gambling establishments erode a community’s ethical and moral fabric that often leads to higher crime rates, including theft, fraud, and money laundering. It can also cause social disruption, with widespread addiction breaking down families, relationships, and increasing divorce rates due to major financial losses and even bankruptcy. Additionally, casinos often target vulnerable, low-income individuals who may view gambling as a quick fix to financial problems. Brother Blackwell stated that “the busiest day in Atlantic City Casinos is the day after welfare checks hit the mailboxes. People who can’t afford to lose their money are in the casinos, hoping to strike it rich.”[2]
If we evaluate gambling based on its fruit, would you consider the “tree” of gambling to bear “good fruit” or “bad fruit”? Casinos often highlight the smiling faces of big winners who walk away with thousands or even millions. However, it’s crucial to recognize that these wins come at the expense of countless other losses. In this sense, the winner is celebrating their fortune, which was gained through someone else’s misfortune. Christian principles, however, should reflect the opposite attitude. As Paul wrote in Galatians 6:10, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all…” Gambling takes advantage of the poor and vulnerable. The National Impact Study Commission revealed that people with incomes under $10,000 spend more on lottery tickets than any other group, and high school dropouts spend four times as much as college graduates. Gambling preys on the weakness of others and profits at the pain of others. This stands in direct contrast to Biblical ethics, which call for us to care for the poor and disadvantaged, and strongly warn against exploiting their struggles (Prov. 14:21; 14:31; 22:16; Is. 3:14-15; Amos 5:11-12).
[1] Don Blackwell, The Truth About Moral Issues (Maxwell, TX. 2014), 13.
[2] Ibid, 13