Many people talk about luck as if life is just a game of chance.
Some say they were lucky to get a good job, while others feel unlucky when things go wrong.
The idea of luck is everywhere—in superstitions, in sports, and even in casual conversations.
But what does the Bible say about luck?
Does it acknowledge luck, or does it present a different way of understanding life’s ups and downs?
The Bible does not actually use the word “luck” in the way modern culture does.
Instead, it speaks about God’s sovereignty, His blessings, and the principle of reaping what you sow.
Let’s explore what Scripture reveals about luck and whether life is really just about chance or something greater.
God’s Sovereignty Over Everything
The Bible teaches that nothing happens by accident.
God is in control of all things, from the smallest detail to the grandest events.
Proverbs 16:33 says, “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.”
This verse shows that even when people think they are relying on chance, God is ultimately in charge of the outcome.
Another passage, Isaiah 46:9-10, states, “I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done.”
This means that God has a plan and purpose for everything.
While people may think events happen randomly, the Bible assures us that God is guiding history according to His will.
Blessings and Consequences
Many things that people call “luck” are actually blessings or consequences of their actions.
James 1:17 tells us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.”
Good things do not come from luck, but from God’s hand.
At the same time, the Bible warns that poor choices can lead to hardship.
Galatians 6:7-8 says, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.
A man reaps what he sows.
Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
In other words, our actions have real consequences.
Hard work, wise decisions, and obedience to God bring blessings, while bad choices can bring difficulties.
This is not luck—it is God’s principle of sowing and reaping.
The Role of Faith, Not Chance
Rather than relying on luck, the Bible calls people to trust in God.
Psalm 37:5 says, “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.”
Instead of hoping for good luck, believers are called to place their confidence in God’s faithfulness.
Jesus emphasized the importance of faith over chance in Matthew 6:31-33: “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
God provides for His people—not through luck, but through His care and provision.
Superstitions and Fortune-Telling
Because people often look for ways to control their future, many turn to superstitions, charms, or fortune-telling.
The Bible warns strongly against these practices.
Deuteronomy 18:10-12 says, “Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells.
Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.”
God does not want His people to trust in objects, rituals, or lucky numbers.
Instead, He calls them to trust in Him alone.
Leviticus 19:31 also warns, “Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them.
I am the Lord your God.”
Rather than trying to manipulate the future, the Bible teaches that people should pray and trust God’s guidance.
Luck and the Story of Job
If anyone seemed to have bad luck, it was Job.
He was a righteous man who lost everything—his wealth, his children, and even his health.
His friends assumed he must have done something wrong to deserve such suffering.
But Job’s story shows that suffering is not always a result of wrongdoing.
Sometimes God allows hardships to test faith and refine character.
In Job 42:10, we see that God restored Job’s fortunes: “The Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.”
Job’s suffering was not random, and his blessings were not luck.
God was at work through it all.
Hard Work Versus Luck
Some people believe success comes from being in the right place at the right time.
But the Bible emphasizes diligence and wisdom over chance.
Proverbs 14:23 says, “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”
God honors effort, discipline, and perseverance.
Proverbs 10:4-5 reinforces this: “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.
He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.”
Instead of hoping for good luck, the Bible encourages people to work hard and trust God with the results.
God’s Plans, Not Luck
Jeremiah 29:11 is a well-known verse that reminds us of God’s plans: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Life is not a series of lucky breaks or misfortunes.
God has a purpose for each person.
Even when things do not go as planned, Romans 8:28 assures believers, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
God is in control, weaving together events for a greater purpose.
Is It Wrong to Say “Good Luck”?
Many people use the phrase “good luck” as a way to wish someone well.
But as Christians, it is more meaningful to say, “God bless you,” or “I will pray for you.”
This acknowledges that success does not come from luck but from God’s blessings.
Colossians 3:17 encourages believers to focus on God in all things: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Rather than attributing outcomes to luck, we should recognize God’s hand in every situation.
Final Thoughts
The Bible does not support the idea of luck.
Instead, it teaches that God is in control, that blessings come from Him, and that people reap what they sow.
Rather than depending on chance, believers are called to trust in God’s plans, work diligently, and seek His guidance.
Superstitions, fortune-telling, and charms are not part of a biblical worldview.
Instead of wishing for good luck, we should pray for wisdom, guidance, and God’s favor.
When we trust in Him, we can find peace, knowing that nothing in our lives is left to chance.