Proverbs 28:19 He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough. 20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent. 22 He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
This passage of scripture states clearly that a desire to get rich quickly is not an upright aspiration, and should be avoided, even though it has become popular to do so, even amongst many Christians. The argument that the profits from the lotto are used for education and other "Good" purposes is a poor excuse to play it, because the Bible never teaches us that we should employ an evil method in order to do something good. Most people who play the lotto would much rather prefer to win the mega-millions, instead of winning sufficient to carry them through life, and that's one of the reasons why the basic desire to get rich quickly is contrary to the Christian's perspective on life.
The passage of scripture for today makes a very serious statement by saying that those who make haste to be rich shall come to poverty. Many people may not readily agree with that statement, but after careful observation, it is found to be a fact that approximately 70% of people who have come into possession of large sums of money suddenly, usually go broke after only seven years, and many of those who were able to hang on to their winnings, have lost good friends, become isolated, got hooked on some soul-destroying vice, or have become spiritually bankrupt for eternity. Others have lost their ability to sleep because of worry and fear about losing their treasure. Let's read:
Ecclesiastes 5:11 When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes? 12 The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep. 13 There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.
The tenor of the Bible is to inculcate the spirit of contentedness, instead of running after an illusive dream that more often than not, ends in destruction. As Christians we are to live one day at a time thanking God for whatever material blessings He bestows on us, and being willing to share with the less fortunate, the temporal things of life. Our main purpose should be character-building, not money making, and whoever takes up the mantle of salvation in sincerity and truth, will not be in a frenzy to stand in long lines to purchase a winning ticket to never land. Hence the reason why in both the old and new testaments, we are admonished to stay as far as possible from any semblance of "get rich quick" schemes, for where our treasure is there will our heart be also.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which cautions us not to follow the madding crowd as it pertains to playing the lotto, for God will supply all our needs according to His good purposes in Christ Jesus. Let's read:
1st Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
May the Lord add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!