Curious about what the Bible says on asking questions? The Bible doesn’t just tolerate questions; it welcomes them. Through its pages, we see a God who invites inquiry and dialogue. Characters in the Bible often ask God tough questions, reflecting a faith journey marked by seeking and questioning. This openness to questioning is crucial for growth and understanding in one’s spiritual life. So, if you’ve got questions, you’re in good company. The Bible shows us that asking questions is a part of deepening our relationship with God.
Wonder what else the Bible has to say about asking questions? Let’s dive deeper and uncover the encouragement and wisdom found in scripture for those who seek answers.
What Does the Bible Say About Asking Questions?
In the narrative of the Bible, asking questions is seen as an integral part of learning, understanding, and growing in one’s faith. The scriptures are filled with stories of individuals who questioned God, sought deeper understanding, and yearned for clarity on complex issues. This biblical tradition of inquiry highlights a God who is not intimidated by our doubts and questions but welcomes them as part of our journey with Him.
Questioning is often portrayed in the Bible as a means to wisdom and knowledge. The Book of Proverbs, in particular, emphasizes the value of seeking understanding and discernment. In the Gospels, Jesus Himself encourages questions, using them as opportunities to teach and reveal deeper truths about the Kingdom of God. His responses to questions often challenged prevailing assumptions and invited His listeners to explore the depths of God’s laws and love.
Furthermore, the Bible doesn’t shy away from the hard questions of life. It addresses questions of suffering, justice, and God’s nature. The Psalms are replete with heartfelt pleas and questions directed at God, reflecting the Psalmists’ struggles and their deep faith. These instances show that questioning can coexist with a profound trust in God, providing a model for us to bring our doubts and inquiries before Him.
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul, among others, engaged in rigorous debate and questioning as a means to defend and explain the faith. This tradition of apologetics—reasoned arguments or writings in justification of something—demonstrates that asking questions and seeking answers is vital for personal faith and for communicating that faith to others.
Asking questions, therefore, is not just allowed in the Bible; it’s encouraged as a pathway to deeper understanding and a stronger relationship with God. It’s through questioning that we can grow in our faith, learn to trust God more fully, and gain the wisdom that God is so willing to give to those who ask.
Bible Verses About Asking Questions
- James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” This verse encourages believers to bring their questions to God with the promise of receiving wisdom.
- Matthew 7:7 – “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Jesus invites us to ask, reflecting God’s openness to our inquiries.
- Proverbs 2:3-5 – “Indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” Solomon portrays the quest for understanding as a valuable pursuit.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:21 – “Test everything. Hold on to what is good.” Paul’s advice to the Thessalonians underscores the importance of questioning and discernment.
- Acts 17:11 – “Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” The Bereans are commended for their diligent questioning and examination of Paul’s teachings.
- Luke 2:46 – “After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.” Even as a child, Jesus exemplified the value of asking questions in the pursuit of wisdom.
- Proverbs 18:15 – “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.” This verse highlights the proactive nature of seeking knowledge through questioning.
- Job 38:1 – “Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: ‘Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge?'” God challenges Job’s questions, not to silence him, but to deepen his understanding of divine sovereignty.
- Proverbs 25:2 – “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.” This proverb celebrates the human quest for understanding as a noble pursuit.
- John 16:23-24 – “In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” Jesus promises that questions asked in faith will lead to joy and fulfillment.
These verses collectively affirm the importance of asking questions as a way to deepen our faith, understanding, and relationship with God. Through questioning, we engage in a dynamic and growing faith, encouraged by a God who welcomes our inquiries and promises wisdom to those who seek.