Does the Bible warn against those who make predictions?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: A friend of mine (whom I’ve discovered wasn’t a friend at all) swindled me into investing a little money (I don’t have much) on a website about predicting trends on. I lost my meager savings and can’t blame anyone but myself. Does the Bible warn against those who make predictions? – C.S.
A: Only God knows the future. It’s dangerous for people to get involved in any scheme claiming knowledge of the future. At best, such schemes are mere guesswork; at worst, they may be involved in dangerous occult practices. The Bible clearly warns against such things (see Deuteronomy 18:9–13).
It is wise to honestly critique why a person is interested in wanting to predict the future. Choosing fascinations over reality can be harmful. The greatest discovery mankind can ever make in life is not some supposed “truth” about the future, but the joy of peace with God. God loves His creation and wants each man, woman, and child to come to know Him in a personal way, for this leads to the only future worth living for – to know Christ.
We may not know everything God has in store for us, but when we have the assurance that we belong to Him and He cares about our future, it brings peace to our hearts. God is the only One who is in ultimate control, and because of this truth – and for those who know beyond a shadow of doubt that this is absolute – we need not fear the future.
The Bible says, “If God is for us, who can be against us? … For I am [convinced] that neither … things present nor things to come … shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:31, 38–39, NKJV).
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
©2025 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(c)2025 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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