Is wishing a sin?

[Koolerkev]

I have friends who insist that its okay to make a wish at 11:11 since they’re not taking it seriously. But I believe wishing is sinful because it breaks the commandment, “Thou shall not have false gods before me.” Is wishing sinful even if it’s not taken seriously?

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

Basically, the definition of a wish is a desire or longing for something. Under that definition, even Jesus Christ expressed wishes at times:

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to you! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not! (Luke 13:34)

Sometimes people express the hope that they have that certain wishes will be granted by stating the wish while doing some specific act (e.g., blowing out candles, watching a shooting star, pitching coins into a fountain). Unless there is a genuine belief that the action ensures that the wish will be granted, which most people do not entertain, there is no superstition involved. Certainly, there is no idolatry.