The Bible encourages us to ask questions as part of seeking truth and understanding God better. Here are some key Bible verses about questions:
Asking questions to God
“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known” (Jeremiah 33:3 ESV). This verse encourages us to bring our questions to God in prayer, trusting that He will reveal truth to us.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5 ESV). When we lack wisdom and discernment, we should ask God for help in understanding difficult questions and situations.
“And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened” (Luke 11:9-10 ESV). Jesus assures us that God wants to answer our sincere questions when we bring them to Him.
Asking questions to gain knowledge
“An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge” (Proverbs 18:15 ESV). Asking questions is key to deepening our understanding of God, ourselves, and the world around us.
“And they read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading” (Nehemiah 8:8 ESV). The leaders explained the Scripture clearly in response to people’s questions, helping them gain spiritual knowledge.
“And his disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ Jesus answered, ‘It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him'” (John 9:2-3 ESV). The disciples’ question led Jesus to provide greater insight into the purpose of suffering.
Asking questions to test truth
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1 ESV). We should ask probing questions to test whether teachers and ideas align with God’s truth.
“Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (Acts 17:11 ESV). The Bereans asked questions to confirm if Paul’s teaching matched what Scripture said.
“But let a person examine himself, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup” (1 Corinthians 11:28 ESV). We are to honestly evaluate ourselves through self-examination before partaking in communion.
Asking questions to grow in faith
“And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the Prophet?’ And he answered, ‘No.’ So they said to him, ‘Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?'” (John 1:21-22 ESV). The priests’ questions led to John the Baptist’s testimony about his role.
“For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged…” (Colossians 2:1-2 ESV). Paul wanted believers to know the “struggle” he faced so they could grow in faith through a deeper understanding.
“So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” (Acts 2:41 ESV). After hearing Peter’s preaching and having their questions answered, many believed in Jesus.
Humbly asking questions
“But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless” (Titus 3:9 ESV). There are unhelpful questions that create strife rather than wisdom.
“Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil,” (2 Timothy 2:23-24 ESV). As we ask questions, we should do so humbly and patiently.
“If I say, “I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,” there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.” (Jeremiah 20:9 ESV). Jeremiah felt compelled by God to speak the truth despite opposition.
Asking questions and the danger of doubt
“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire” (James 1:13-14 ESV). Questioning that leads to doubt often comes from our fleshly motives, not God.
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth… although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened” (Romans 1:18, 21 ESV). Sometimes stubborn unbelief and doubt lead people to suppress God’s truth.
“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV). We must filter our questions and doubts through Christ’s truth to avoid deception.
Asking questions with right motives
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord” (James 1:5-7 ESV). God wants to guide those with sincere questions, not consume their time with endless debates.
“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” (Hebrews 11:6 ESV). We must approach God with a willingness to trust Him more than desiring just to have all the answers.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:5-6 ESV). Asking questions of God should come from a position of faith, not of constant skepticism.
Conclusion
In summary, the Bible encourages us to freely yet humbly ask questions as part of pursuing God and maturing in our faith. We should bring our sincere questions to God, search the Scriptures for understanding, test truth claims against the Bible, grow through increased knowledge, and avoid unproductive controversies. Most importantly, we need to approach questioning with a heart willing to receive God’s answers and submit to His wisdom and will.