Luck is often defined as success or failure that seems to happen by chance rather than through one’s own actions. The Bible does not use the word “luck” specifically, but it has a lot to say about the concepts of chance, fortune, and providence. Here is an overview of the biblical perspective on luck and related ideas:
God is sovereign over all things
The Bible clearly teaches that God is in control over all Creation and human history. Nothing happens outside of His sovereign will (Ephesians 1:11, Daniel 4:35, Romans 11:36). This means that from a biblical worldview, nothing happens merely by chance or luck. God either directly causes or intentionally allows everything that happens.
Success comes from the Lord
Since God is sovereign, all success ultimately comes from Him. The Bible views prosperity and success as blessings from the hand of God rather than the result of random chance. Deuteronomy 8:18 says, “You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth.” Wise choices and hard work are part of the equation, but God enables and directs those outcomes.
God decides the “lot” we receive in life
In biblical times, the “lot” was sometimes used as a means of determining God’s will for a certain decision or assigning property. The lot was seen as directed by God to reveal His purposes (Proverbs 16:33). This confirms that God controls every circumstance—there is no such thing as pure chance. The New Testament also teaches that God is the one who decides when and where we will be born and sets the boundaries of our lives (Acts 17:26).
The dangers of trusting in “luck”
The Bible contains many warnings against trusting in uncertain things like riches or luck for security and meaning in life. Jesus said that life is more than food and clothing (Luke 12:23). Solomon, known for his wisdom and wealth, concluded that everything apart from knowing God is meaningless (Ecclesiastes 2:11). Putting one’s hope in random chance or unpredictable fortunate events is unwise from the biblical perspective.
We should acknowledge God’s providence
Since God oversees all things, the Bible instructs us to acknowledge His providential care and governance. James says we should say “If the Lord wills” when speaking of plans for the future (James 4:13-15). Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” We show faith and wisdom when we recognize His hand at work.
Practical outcomes still depend on our choices
Though God is sovereign, the Bible is clear that our choices and actions still impact outcomes and we are accountable for them. Diligence generally leads to prosperity, while laziness leads to poverty (Proverbs 10:4-5). We reap as we sow, for good or bad (Galatians 6:7-8). Though success ultimately comes from God, He generally blesses faithful stewardship of our talents and opportunities.
God has a sovereign plan amid the randomness
From humanity’s limited perspective, many things seem unpredictable or subject to chance. Yet God has wise purposes amid events that seem random to us (Proverbs 16:9). What looks like coincidence from our viewpoint is part of God’s comprehensive plan from His higher vantage point. As Isaiah said, God’s thoughts and ways are infinitely higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).
God works powerfully through seeming randomness
The sovereignty of God is shown in how He can remarkably direct circumstances that seem random. For example, a seeming coincidence led Ruth to marry Boaz, who became an ancestor of King David and Jesus (Ruth 2:3). The Bible has many examples of God working powerfully through the everyday events of life.
The need for wisdom and discernment
While luck is not a biblical concept, the Bible does often speak of the practical wisdom needed for daily decisions that have uncertain outcomes. Proverbs repeatedly stresses the importance of wisdom, diligence and righteous living as the path that generally leads to blessings, success and well-being. Godly wisdom is needed to make good choices amid unpredictable situations.
Putting our trust in God’s providence
Rather than trusting in luck, the Bible encourages putting our confidence in the faithful providence of God. When facing uncertainty, we can have assurance that God holds the future and will care for us (Matthew 6:25-34). Wise planning coupled with faith in God’s sovereignty is the biblical prescription for dealing with unknowns. According to Scripture, those who follow Him will be blessed (Jeremiah 17:7-8).
Examples of seeming “good luck” in the Bible
In the natural mind, many events in Scripture may seem to be based on lucky coincidences or fortune. However, from the biblical viewpoint, God was sovereignly at work in each case. Examples include:
– Ruth “happening” to glean in the field of Boaz (Ruth 2:3).
– Saul looking for a donkey but “coincidentally” encountering Samuel who anointed him as king (1 Samuel 9:3-10:1).
– The servant seeking a wife for Isaac having Rebekah providentially appear and offer assistance (Genesis 24).
– Joseph being sold by his brothers, only to rise to power in Egypt and save his family (Genesis 45:5-8).
Examples of seeming “bad luck” in the Bible
What seems like bad luck from a human perspective is part of God’s sovereign plan in Scripture. For example:
– A seemingly random arrow kills King Ahab in battle (1 Kings 22:34-37).
– Job losing all his possessions, family, and health (Job 1:13-19).
– A blind man being born that way so Jesus can heal him and demonstrate His power (John 9:1-3).
– Jesus being crucified by those who considered His life bad luck (Acts 2:23), though it was God’s providential plan for redemption.
God cares about sparrows and numbers the hairs on our head
To emphasize that His sovereign care extends to even the smallest details, Jesus said God knows when each common sparrow falls to the ground and has numbered the very hairs on our heads (Matthew 10:29-31). Our lives are not subject to chance occurrences outside of His loving providence. We can take great comfort in God’s attentiveness and sovereignty over every part of life.
In summary
The Bible makes it clear that nothing happens merely by luck or random chance, but rather everything occurs by the sovereignty of God—either through His direct intervention or His providential oversight. This powerful and wise providence offers security for the follower of Christ amid the uncertainties of life. While we cannot avoid the unpredictability of our fallen world, we can know that our lives are in God’s capable hands. He works out His perfect plan for us according to His will and for His glory.