Wizardry, often associated with the practice of magic and sorcery, is addressed in the Bible as a form of occultism that is strictly forbidden by God. The term "wizard" is typically used to describe individuals who claim to possess supernatural powers or knowledge, often through the assistance of spirits or other supernatural entities. The Bible consistently condemns such practices, associating them with idolatry and rebellion against God.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, wizardry is frequently mentioned alongside other forms of divination and sorcery. The Mosaic Law explicitly prohibits these practices. Leviticus 19:31 states, "You must not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out, or you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God." This command underscores the defiling nature of engaging with wizards and similar practitioners.

Deuteronomy 18:10-12 further elaborates on this prohibition: "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery, casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable things the LORD your God is driving out the nations before you." Here, wizardry is listed among practices that are "detestable" to God, indicating the severity of the offense.

The narrative of King Saul consulting the witch of Endor in 1 Samuel 28 provides a vivid example of the consequences of seeking guidance from a medium. Despite having previously expelled mediums and spiritists from the land, Saul, in desperation, seeks out a woman with a familiar spirit to summon the prophet Samuel. This act of disobedience leads to his downfall, illustrating the dangers and futility of turning to wizardry instead of God.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not use the term "wizard," it continues to warn against practices associated with magic and the occult. Acts 8:9-24 recounts the account of Simon the Sorcerer, who practiced magic in Samaria and amazed the people. Upon hearing the gospel, Simon professes belief and is baptized, yet later attempts to buy the power of the Holy Spirit with money. Peter rebukes him sharply, saying, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!" (Acts 8:20). This incident highlights the incompatibility of magic with the Christian faith and the dangers of attempting to manipulate spiritual power for personal gain.

In Acts 19:19 , the transformative power of the gospel is demonstrated in Ephesus, where "a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all." This public renunciation of magic signifies a turning away from occult practices and a commitment to following Christ.

Theological Implications

Wizardry, as depicted in the Bible, is fundamentally opposed to the worship and reliance on the one true God. It represents a form of spiritual adultery, where individuals seek power and knowledge apart from God. The Bible's consistent condemnation of wizardry and related practices serves as a warning to remain faithful to God and to avoid the allure of occult practices that promise power or insight outside of His will.

The biblical stance against wizardry underscores the importance of discernment and the need to rely on God's Word and Spirit for guidance. Believers are called to trust in God's sovereignty and to reject any form of spiritual deception that seeks to undermine His authority.Leviticus 19:31
Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.
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Ephesians 6:12
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
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Ephesians 5:11
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
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Acts 16:16
And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
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Exodus 22:18
You shall not suffer a witch to live.
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2 Chronicles 33:6
And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he worked much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.
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Leviticus 20:27
A man also or woman that has a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be on them.
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Revelation 21:8
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
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Deuteronomy 18:14
For these nations, which you shall possess, listened to observers of times, and to diviners: but as for you, the LORD your God has not suffered you so to do.
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Acts 19:19
Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.
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The Horns of the Altar
... in memory of the Lord Jesus Christ, and, as far as they do that, and quicken our
thoughts of him, they are useful to us; but there is no wizardry or witchcraft ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/the horns of the altar.htm

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Wizard: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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