What is the Bible's view on fortune cookies?

Definition and Cultural Background

Fortune cookies are crisp, folded confections typically served in many Western-based Chinese restaurants. Inside each cookie is a small strip of paper with a statement or “fortune,” usually predicting good luck, offering philosophical advice, or giving a pithy proverb. Although these cookies are commonly associated with Chinese culture in popular perception, various historical findings suggest they emerged in the early 20th century in the United States, influenced by Japanese and Chinese immigrant traditions. They are not an ancient religious or cultural practice and historically bear no direct connection to biblical cultures of the ancient Near East.

Biblical Context on “Fortune” and the Future

The Scriptures consistently steer believers toward reliance on God rather than on human methods of predicting or controlling the future. From the earliest chapters, the Bible underscores that the Creator alone governs cosmic and historical events (cf. Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”). The prophetic books, such as Isaiah, portray God as the only One who can unfold future realities accurately (Isaiah 46:10, “I distinguish the end from the beginning…”).

In biblical terms, efforts to foresee or manipulate future outcomes through sources other than God’s revealed Word are deemed futile or even forbidden, as they can lead people away from trusting in divine sovereignty (cf. Deuteronomy 18:10–12, which prohibits divination). Fortune cookies are modern novelties, yet they often parallel the impulse toward finding hidden knowledge about life events in a non-scriptural manner.

Warnings Against Divination and Superstition

Scripture’s caution against “fortune-telling” and superstition applies to any practice that tempts individuals to place confidence in random or human-generated predictions. Deuteronomy 18:10–11 says: “Let no one be found among you who … interprets omens, engages in sorcery, or casts spells… or consults the dead.” While fortune cookies might seem harmless, the biblical prohibition addresses the deeper issue: relying on any form of divination or superstitious practices can erode a believer’s trust in God.

Jeremiah 29:8 offers related counsel: “Do not let your prophets who are among you… deceive you, and do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have.” The text points to the human propensity to seek messages that cater to our desires. Fortune cookies, although often whimsical, can foster a perspective that events are guided by random quips rather than by the Lord’s sovereign hand.

Differentiating Amusement from Spiritual Influence

Not every interaction with a fortune cookie necessarily engages in “fortune-telling.” Many consider them lighthearted custom or cultural novelty. However, believers should carefully discern whether reading and heeding these messages creates a subtle reliance on chance rather than divine guidance. Proverbs 3:5–6 states, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… and He will make your paths straight.” For many, fortune cookies are a mere amusement with no deeper spiritual implications—especially if viewed simply as a cultural tradition that ends with the meal.

Still, wisdom in Scripture encourages caution. Harmless amusements can become spiritually detrimental when they shift our hearts toward trusting fleeting omens or superstitions. As 1 Thessalonians 5:21 advises, “Test all things. Hold fast to what is good.” Applying this principle helps believers distinguish between casual fun and a mindset that strays from living in godly confidence and prayerful dependence on the Lord.

God’s Revealed Will Versus Human Predictions

Biblically, knowledge of the future is reserved for God (Isaiah 46:9–10). Rather than seeking cryptic hints from worldly practices, Scripture urges believers to seek God’s revealed Word and wisdom through prayer, counsel, and diligent study of the Bible. James 1:5 reminds us, “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” Relying on the good counsel of Scripture surpasses any supposed insight from slips of paper.

From a historical standpoint, biblical accounts consistently depict that true prophecy comes directly through God’s chosen prophets (e.g., Daniel, Isaiah, Jeremiah) or through the Holy Spirit, rather than random statements or man-made objects. The unity and reliability of biblical prophecy—along with the consistent fulfillment of key predictions (including the messianic prophecies fulfilled in Christ)—underline that God alone determines the future.

Practical Application for the Modern Reader

1. Examine the Heart: If you open a fortune cookie, assess whether you are merely engaging in a cultural custom or subtly seeking guidance or hope from it. Encouraging statements can be enjoyable, but one should never elevate them to the stature of spiritual authority.

2. Remember the Source of Truth: Scripture is the believer’s guide for wisdom and direction (2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is profitable for instruction…”). Compared to the certain foundation of God’s Word, fortune-cookie messages are trivial, often generic, and do not carry any real spiritual weight.

3. Maintain Perspective: Christian freedom allows for cultural participation so long as it does not contradict biblical teaching. Opening a fortune cookie after a meal is not inherently sinful. However, placing trust in or fear of those statements conflicts with the biblical call to fear the Lord and trust Him alone (cf. Psalm 111:10).

4. Build Faith in God’s Sovereignty: Reflecting on passages that highlight God’s control over history fortifies a believer’s assurance that the future is secure in God’s hands (Romans 8:28, “And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him…”). No slip of paper can override or dictate the purposes of the Almighty.

Conclusion

From a biblical standpoint, fortune cookies represent a modern cultural novelty with no real spiritual power to predict or shape one’s future. Scripture directs hearts to God alone as the source of reliable wisdom and truth, strongly advising against any form of fortune-telling or superstition. Opening a fortune cookie can be a harmless part of a meal if it is treated as simple amusement. Yet believers are called to avoid granting influence or spiritual significance to these trivial statements.

By placing full confidence in God and grounding one’s life in Scripture, believers reject any competing voices that try to replace the sure foundation of the divine Word. The overarching message is clear: real guidance and knowledge of the future reside in God’s timeless and trustworthy revelation, not in the chance text of a cookie.