Is Every Dice Throw the Lord’s Will?

Is every dice throw the Lord’s will? One scripture that may be hard to understand is found in the book of Proverbs. It says “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” (Proverbs 16:33) (HCSB). What does this mean?

Does God control every throw of the dice? Remember the magic 8 ball? This “magic 8 ball” would be able to tell you things. As you would shake it, a phrase or word would appear like: as I see it, yes, it is uncertain, or don’t count on it. You may ask questions like: does pineapple belong on pizza, does she like me, will the Texans win a Super-bowl within ten years? To me, if God controlled every decision and every 8 ball shake, I would be carrying that thing around everywhere.

What is God is trying to tell us in this verse? Even the foolish things of this world, such as dice throwing, can be used by God to do great things. Also every decision is from the Lord because He has given us the ability to choose. Every good gift is from God, but the evil plots and vile decisions are not from the Lord. While God is definitely in control of many things, He has given man the ability to make wise and even unwise decisions. This is why your life has so much value. The more Godly people we have in leadership and in this world, the better off we are.

Notice in the same chapter, we has a call for wisdom. Proverbs 16:16 tells us, “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!” (v. 16). Also Proverbs 16:20 says, “Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD” (v. 20). This is a calling to purse wisdom and cast aside quick decisions. God can definitely move a dice in the right direction, but He does not do this all the tine.

How can we apply this to our lives? Well don’t base your decisions on an 8 ball, roll of the dice, lotto ticket, or on an impulse. Base your decisions on research. Study out a home purchase. Get the Car Fax before you sign the deal. Talk to a friend. Pray and seek the Lord when you don’t know whet to do. And when you have done all that you can do, trust in the Lord. Trust that God will give you favor. We do not depend on chance, we depend on God.