We understand the deep pain and concern in your heart as you share this burden with us. The struggles you describe—alcohol, gambling, financial irresponsibility, and broken trust—are not only harmful to your family but are also in direct opposition to God’s design for a husband and father. The Bible calls men to lead their households with love, self-control, and integrity, just as Christ loves the church. Ephesians 5:25-28 says, *"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for her... Even so husbands also ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself."* A husband who indulges in drunkenness and gambling is not walking in love but in selfishness, and this is a grievous sin before God.
The Scriptures are clear about the dangers of drunkenness and the love of money. Proverbs 20:1 warns, *"Wine is a mocker, and beer is a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise."* And 1 Timothy 6:10 tells us, *"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, which some have sought after, and have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows."* Gambling is a form of greed, trusting in chance rather than in God’s provision, and it often leads to financial ruin and broken relationships. Your spouse’s actions are not only harming your family financially but are also spiritually destructive to him and to those under his care.
The lack of trust he shows toward his own children regarding his property is another sign of a heart that is not surrendered to God. The Bible teaches that parents are to nurture and train their children in the ways of the Lord, not hoard possessions in distrust. Proverbs 13:22 says, *"A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored for the righteous."* If his heart were right with God, he would seek to bless his family, not withhold from them out of fear or selfishness.
We must also address the fact that you did not invoke the name of Jesus in your request. There is no greater name by which we can approach the throne of God, and there is no salvation or power apart from Him. Acts 4:12 declares, *"There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* If you have not yet placed your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, we urge you to do so now. Believe that He died for your sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Confess your sins to Him and turn from them, trusting in His sacrifice alone for your salvation. Only through Christ can you find the strength and wisdom to navigate this trial.
As for your spouse, we must pray for his repentance. His behavior is not just a personal failing—it is rebellion against God. The Bible commands us in James 5:19-20, *"Brothers, if any among you wanders from the truth and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins."* You must confront him in love but with firmness, urging him to turn from these sins before they destroy him and your family. If he is a believer, remind him that his actions are dishonoring to God and that he will give an account for how he has stewarded his family (Hebrews 13:17). If he is not a believer, pray earnestly for his salvation, for only God can change his heart.
We also encourage you to seek wise counsel from your pastor or a trusted, mature believer in your church. You should not walk through this alone. If your spouse refuses to repent, you may need to take further steps to protect your family financially and spiritually. The Bible does not condone enabling sin, and sometimes tough love is necessary to bring someone to repentance. Proverbs 27:5-6 says, *"Better is open rebuke than hidden love. The wounds of a friend are faithful, although the kisses of an enemy are profuse."*
Let us pray together for you and your spouse:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up this sister and her family. Lord, You see the pain and destruction that alcohol and gambling have brought into their home. We ask that You convict her husband deeply of his sin. Open his eyes to see how his actions are dishonoring You and harming those he is called to love and protect. Break his heart over his rebellion, Lord, and lead him to true repentance. If he does not know You, Father, draw him to Yourself by Your Holy Spirit. Let him see his need for a Savior and turn to Jesus Christ in faith.
Lord, we pray for wisdom and strength for this sister as she navigates this difficult season. Give her the courage to speak the truth in love, to set godly boundaries, and to seek the support she needs from Your body, the church. Protect her heart from bitterness and fill her with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Provide for her and her children financially, Lord, and guard their hearts from the pain of their father’s choices.
Father, we rebuke the spirit of addiction and greed that has taken hold in this home. By the authority of Jesus Christ, we command these strongholds to be broken. Let no weapon formed against this family prosper, and let every tongue that rises against them in judgment be condemned (Isaiah 54:17). Restore what the locusts have eaten, Lord, and bring healing where there has been brokenness.
We ask all this in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone can save and transform. May Your will be done in their lives, and may Your name be glorified through their story. Amen.
Stand firm in your faith, sister. Do not lose hope, for God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). Trust in Him, seek His face daily, and surround yourself with believers who can support and encourage you. If your husband refuses to repent, continue to pray for him, but also take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your children from further harm. God is your Provider, your Protector, and your Strength. Lean on Him fully.