While not explicitly using the word ‘fortune’, the concept of luck, wealth, and happiness are very much present. Intersecting both the Old and New Testaments, our understanding of fortune from a biblical standpoint strays from the conventional worldly perspective. In this overview, we will explore this, focusing on the views of fortune in the Bible.
What is Biblical Fortune?
In the Bible, fortune is not confined solely to material wealth or personal luck. Instead, it is deeply intertwined with the notions of divine favor, blessings, and the fulfillment of God’s promises. Where the world may view fortune as a tangible asset or a streak of good luck, the Bible associates it with godliness, righteousness, and a livelihood lived in tune with God’s laws and principles.
Why is Fortune Associated with Righteousness?
Fortune in the Bible links closely to righteousness. The Bible imparts that those who adhere to God’s principles and commands are fortunate or blessed. The parameters of fortune spill beyond physical possessions and touch upon spiritual wholeness, peace, contentment, love, and joy. Righteousness in the Bible becomes a path to fortune, not as a reward, but as a byproduct of leading a life according to God’s principles.
Who is Considered Fortunate in the Bible?
The Bible unfolds numerous examples of individuals considered fortunate. However, a consistent pattern is evident; those hailed as fortunate are not necessarily wealthy, successful, or devoid of suffering by worldly standards. Instead, they are individuals who, despite their circumstances, choose to stay faithful to God, uphold their integrity, express kindness, seek wisdom, remain humble, and exercise patience. By these standards, the prophets, disciples, and even ordinary men and women who have displayed these virtues are deemed fortunate.
Where Does Fortune Originate?
In the Bible, fortune does not have its origins in chance or luck, unlike the secular notion of fortune. In fact, the Bible debunks the idea of fortune as a random occurrence altogether. The Bible teaches that all occurrences have a divine purpose, even those we might interpret as bad luck. Therefore, fortune or divine favor is interpreted as a consequence of God’s sovereign will, not luck. It is His sovereign will that guides the happenings of everyone’s lives, responding to their obedience or disobedience, faith or fear.
When Does Fortune Transpire in the Bible?
While the Bible mentions instances of immediate divine favor, it cautions against equating quick material gains or fleeting pleasures with fortune. Real fortune, according to the Bible, often involves patience, faith, and endurance through trials. It rarely appears in the absence of hardships. Many biblical figures deemed fortunate experienced great trials and tribulations before receiving divine favor, reminding us that fortune in the Biblical context is often a journey and not just a destination.
Below is the full list of bible verses on fortune (King James Version – KJV). The list is ranked in order of popularity and we hope you find the inspiration you need.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Fortune
Leviticus 19:31
“31 Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.”
Related Themes: Magic Divination Guidance Superstition
Leviticus 20:6
“6 And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.”
Related Themes: Manipulation Magic Divination
Leviticus 20:27
“27 A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them.”
Related Themes: Killing Magic Divination
2 Kings 21:6
“6 And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.”
Related Themes: Magic Divination
Isaiah 8:19
“19 And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?”
Related Themes: Magic Afterlife Manipulation
1 Chronicles 10:13-14
“13 So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to inquire of it;14 And inquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.”
Related Themes: Manipulation Guidance Magic
Deuteronomy 18:10-12
“10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.12 For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.”
Related Themes: Abomination
Revelation 22:15
“15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.”
Related Themes: Abomination Morality Morals Lying
Micah 5:12
“12 And I will cut off witchcrafts out of thine hand; and thou shalt have no more soothsayers:”
Related Themes: Magic
2 Chronicles 33:6
“6 And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.”
Related Themes: Manipulation Magic
Acts 16:16-19
“16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,”
Acts 16:16-18
“16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.”
Leviticus 19:26
“26 Ye shall not eat any thing with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times.”
Related Themes: Magic Divination
James 1:5
“5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
Related Themes: Wisdom Education Dating Discernment Doubt
Exodus 22:18
“18 Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.”
Related Themes: Criticism Manipulation Magic
Deuteronomy 18:10-13
“10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.12 For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.13 Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God.”
Related Themes: Abomination
Proverbs 3:6
“6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Related Themes: Frustration Self Confidence Trust Problem Solving
Revelation 21:8
“8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
Related Themes: Hell Abomination Telling The Truth Frustration Adultery
Deuteronomy 18:9-13
“9 When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.12 For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.13 Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God.”
Related Themes: Abomination
Romans 12:2
“2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Related Themes: Complaining Lust Creativity Attitude Business
Luke 1:37
“37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.”
Related Themes: Omnipotence Criticism Strangers Creativity Faith
2 Corinthians 11:14-15
“14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”
Related Themes: Manipulation Satan Devil Discernment
Deuteronomy 4:19
“19 And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven.”
Galatians 5:19-21
“19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Related Themes: Lust Abomination Lust Bitterness Adultery
Deuteronomy 18:10
“10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,”
Related Themes: Abomination
2 Kings 23:24
“24 Moreover the workers with familiar spirits, and the wizards, and the images, and the idols, and all the abominations that were spied in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, did Josiah put away, that he might perform the words of the law which were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest found in the house of the LORD.”
Related Themes: Abomination
2 Timothy 3:16-17
“16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
Related Themes: Criticism Education Business Education Learning
Proverbs 3:5-7
“5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.”
Related Themes: Frustration Trust Letting Go Faith Life
Philippians 4:13
“13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Related Themes: Strength Omnipotence Self Confidence Life Greatness
Isaiah 65:11
“11 But ye are they that forsake the LORD, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop, and that furnish the drink offering unto that number.”
Related Themes: Gambling
