Fortune telling has existed for thousands of years, with people seeking insight into their future through psychics, astrologers, and other supernatural means. However, the Bible strongly warns against these practices. Scripture teaches that seeking guidance from fortune tellers goes against God’s will and can lead to spiritual deception.
This topic explores what the Bible says about fortune tellers, why such practices are forbidden, and how believers should seek wisdom and direction from God.
1. Biblical Warnings Against Fortune Telling
1.1 Fortune Telling Is Forbidden
The Bible explicitly condemns fortune telling and all forms of divination. These practices involve seeking knowledge of the future through supernatural means rather than trusting in God.
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 makes it clear that God views fortune telling as an abomination. Seeking knowledge from such sources is considered disobedience.
1.2 Seeking Fortune Tellers Shows a Lack of Faith
Turning to fortune tellers instead of God demonstrates a lack of trust in His divine plan. The Bible encourages believers to seek wisdom through prayer and scripture rather than mystical practices.
Isaiah 8:19 states:
“When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?”
This verse reminds believers that true wisdom and guidance come from God, not from those who claim to see the future.
2. Examples of Fortune Telling in the Bible
2.1 The Story of King Saul and the Witch of Endor
One of the most well-known biblical accounts involving fortune telling is the story of King Saul and the witch of Endor.
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.'”
Despite knowing that consulting mediums was forbidden, Saul sought out a spiritist to contact the prophet Samuel. His actions led to severe consequences, including his downfall and death. This story illustrates how seeking fortune tellers leads to destruction rather than wisdom.
2.2 The Slave Girl with a Spirit of Divination
In the New Testament, there is another example of fortune telling being associated with evil spirits.
Acts 16:16-18 states:
“Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. 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 is often linked to demonic influence. The girl’s ability to predict the future came from an evil spirit, and once the spirit was cast out, she lost her power.
3. Why Fortune Telling Is Spiritually Dangerous
3.1 It Opens Doors to Evil Influences
The Bible warns that engaging in supernatural practices outside of God’s will can expose people to demonic forces. Many who seek fortune tellers may not realize the spiritual risks involved.
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 warning highlights that fortune telling is not merely harmless entertainment-it can spiritually corrupt those who participate in it.
3.2 It Leads to Deception
Fortune tellers often make vague or misleading predictions, leading people to false beliefs about their future. Instead of seeking God’s truth, individuals may be deceived into making wrong choices based on these predictions.
2 Corinthians 11:14 states:
“And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”
This verse reminds believers that not all supernatural revelations come from God. Many deceptive practices appear harmless but can ultimately lead people away from the truth.
3.3 It Distracts from God’s Plan
When people seek fortune tellers, they are looking for control over their future rather than trusting God’s plan. However, the Bible teaches that God alone knows the future and directs the lives of His people.
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.”
Rather than relying on human predictions, believers should place their trust in God’s divine purpose.
4. How Christians Should Seek Guidance
4.1 Pray for Wisdom
Instead of consulting fortune tellers, believers are encouraged to seek wisdom through prayer.
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 wisdom to those who seek Him sincerely.
4.2 Study Scripture for Direction
The Bible serves as the ultimate source of guidance for Christians. By studying God’s Word, believers can find answers to their questions and direction for their lives.
Psalm 119:105 states:
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
Rather than looking to fortune tellers for insight, Christians should rely on Scripture to illuminate their path.
4.3 Trust in God’s Timing
Many people turn to fortune tellers out of impatience or fear of the unknown. However, the Bible encourages believers to trust in God’s perfect timing.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 states:
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
God’s plans unfold in His perfect timing, and Christians are called to trust Him rather than seeking quick answers from unreliable sources.
The Bible strongly warns against fortune telling, divination, and seeking supernatural knowledge outside of God’s will. These practices are linked to deception, demonic influence, and spiritual corruption.
Instead of consulting fortune tellers, believers are encouraged to seek guidance through prayer, scripture, and faith in God’s plan. True wisdom and direction come from a relationship with God, not from mystical predictions. By trusting in Him, Christians can find peace, clarity, and purpose without relying on fortune tellers.