Fortune telling has been practiced for centuries, with people seeking to predict the future through astrology, tarot cards, palm reading, and other supernatural means. Many turn to fortune tellers out of curiosity, fear, or a desire for guidance. However, the Bible is clear about its stance on such practices.
Scripture warns against fortune telling, divination, and any attempt to seek hidden knowledge outside of God. This topic explores what the Bible says about fortune telling, why it is forbidden, and how believers should seek guidance in their lives.
1. Fortune Telling in the Bible
1.1 What Is Fortune Telling?
Fortune telling is the practice of predicting future events using supernatural or mystical methods. It includes:
- Astrology
- Tarot card readings
- Palm reading
- Crystal ball gazing
- Consulting psychics or mediums
The Bible groups fortune telling under divination, which is the attempt to gain knowledge of the unknown through supernatural forces.
1.2 Fortune Telling Is Forbidden in Scripture
The Bible strongly condemns fortune telling and divination. God commands His people to avoid these practices because they lead to deception and spiritual harm.
Deuteronomy 18:10-12 states:
“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, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.”
This passage clearly shows that God does not approve of fortune telling. It is listed alongside practices that are considered sinful and detestable.
2. Why Does the Bible Condemn Fortune Telling?
2.1 It Distracts from Trusting God
Seeking fortune tellers shows a lack of faith in God’s plan. The Bible teaches that believers should trust in God rather than trying to control or predict the future.
Proverbs 3:5-6 states:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
When people turn to fortune telling, they are looking for security in something other than God.
2.2 It Can Be Influenced by Evil Spirits
The Bible warns that fortune telling and divination are often connected to demonic forces. Those who claim to have supernatural knowledge may be influenced by spirits that do not come from God.
Leviticus 19:31 states:
“Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God.”
This verse emphasizes that engaging in fortune telling can lead to spiritual defilement.
2.3 It Leads to Deception
Many fortune tellers give vague or misleading predictions that can cause confusion or fear. The Bible warns that Satan himself disguises as an angel of light to deceive people.
2 Corinthians 11:14 states:
“And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”
People who rely on fortune tellers may be tricked into believing lies rather than seeking the truth in God’s Word.
3. Biblical Examples of Fortune Telling
3.1 King Saul and the Witch of Endor
One of the most well-known biblical stories involving fortune telling is found in 1 Samuel 28. King Saul was desperate for guidance and sought a medium to summon the spirit of the prophet Samuel.
1 Samuel 28:6-7 states:
“Saul inquired of the Lord, but the Lord did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets. Saul then said to his attendants, ‘Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her.'”
Saul knew that God had forbidden such practices, yet he disobeyed. As a result, he faced severe consequences, including his downfall and death.
3.2 The Slave Girl with a Spirit of Divination
In Acts 16, Paul encounters a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and could predict the future. She made money for her owners by fortune telling.
Acts 16:16-18 states:
“She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, ‘These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.’ She kept this up for many days. Finally, Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, ‘In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!’ At that moment the spirit left her.”
This passage reveals that fortune telling can be influenced by evil spirits. When the spirit was cast out, the girl lost her ability to predict the future.
4. How Should Christians Seek Guidance?
4.1 Pray for Wisdom
Instead of consulting fortune tellers, Christians should seek wisdom from God.
James 1:5 states:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
God promises to provide guidance to those who ask Him.
4.2 Read the Bible for Direction
The Bible is the ultimate source of wisdom and guidance.
Psalm 119:105 states:
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
Through Scripture, God provides instruction for every area of life.
4.3 Trust in God’s Plan
God has a perfect plan for each person’s life. Instead of trying to predict the future, believers should trust in His divine purpose.
Jeremiah 29:11 states:
“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.”
True security comes from trusting God, not from fortune telling.
5. What Should Christians Do If They Have Consulted a Fortune Teller?
5.1 Repent and Seek Forgiveness
If someone has engaged in fortune telling, they should confess their actions to God and ask for forgiveness.
1 John 1:9 states:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
God is always ready to forgive those who turn back to Him.
5.2 Renounce Any Connection to Fortune Telling
Believers should remove any objects or practices related to fortune telling from their lives. This includes tarot cards, astrology books, and any involvement with psychics.
Acts 19:19 states:
“A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly.”
Getting rid of such materials is a way to fully turn away from these practices.
The Bible clearly warns against fortune telling and divination. These practices are spiritually dangerous, leading people away from trusting in God. Fortune telling can open doors to deception, demonic influence, and fear.
Instead of seeking answers through supernatural means, Christians are called to trust in God’s plan. Through prayer, reading Scripture, and relying on His guidance, believers can find true wisdom and direction for their lives.
God alone knows the future, and He desires for His people to put their faith in Him rather than in human predictions. By following His Word, believers can live with confidence, knowing that He is in control of their lives.
