Asking questions is a part of learning and growing, but is it encouraged in the Bible? Scripture shows us many examples of people asking questions, and Jesus Himself often used questions to teach. Let’s explore what the Bible says about the importance of curiosity and seeking answers.
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What Does The Bible Say About Asking Questions
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.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking and asking for what we need from God. It encourages us to be persistent in seeking His will and not to hesitate to ask Him for guidance and provision.
Proverbs 1:5
“Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.”
In this verse, we are encouraged to be open-minded and willing to learn from others. Asking questions and seeking guidance from those who are wiser than us can help us gain knowledge and understanding.
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 reminds us that God is the ultimate source of wisdom. When we lack understanding or direction, we are encouraged to pray and ask God to grant us wisdom. He is ready to give generously to those who seek Him.
Job 42:4
“You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.'”
This verse highlights the humility and awe-inspiring nature of God. As humans, we often question God’s ways, but Job’s story reminds us that when God speaks and questions us, we must humble ourselves and listen to His wisdom and instruction.
Psalm 77:6
“I remembered my songs in the night. My heart meditated and my spirit asked:”
In times of distress, we can turn to God with our questions and concerns. This verse reminds us that it is comforting and helpful to meditate on God’s faithfulness and ask Him for guidance, especially in the dark moments of our lives.
Psalm 119:110
“The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts.”
This verse acknowledges the challenges and dangers we may face in life. As we encounter them, we can seek God’s guidance and ask Him for the wisdom and strength to remain faithful to His commandments.
1 Kings 3:5
“At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, ‘Ask! What shall I give you?’
Solomon’s encounter with God in this verse teaches us that God invites us to ask for our heart’s desires. When we approach Him with humility and a sincere heart, He is willing to grant our requests according to His will.
Jeremiah 33:3
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
God encourages us to call upon Him and ask Him for understanding and revelation. This verse assures us that He will answer and reveal mysteries and knowledge that are beyond our human comprehension.
Proverbs 18:15
“The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.”
Being discerning and wise requires actively seeking knowledge and understanding. This verse emphasizes the importance of asking questions, listening attentively, and seeking wisdom in order to gain knowledge and grow in understanding.
John 16:24
“Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”
Jesus encourages His disciples to ask in His name and assures them that it will be met with joy and fulfillment. This verse reminds us of the power of prayer and the blessings that come through asking God for what we need.
Psalm 55:22
“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
In times of worry or uncertainty, we can take comfort in knowing that we can bring our concerns to God. This verse reminds us to cast our burdens upon Him and trust that He will sustain us and provide the answers we need.
Mark 9:32
“But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it.”
This verse highlights the fear and hesitation that can prevent us from seeking clarification and understanding. It serves as a reminder to overcome our fear and ask for clarification when we do not understand, trusting that Jesus will patiently teach and guide us.
1 Corinthians 14:35
“If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.”
This verse speaks to the specific cultural context of the early church regarding women’s roles. It reminds us that it is important to seek understanding in appropriate settings and to respect the cultural norms and guidelines that are in place.
Matthew 18:3
“And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Jesus teaches that childlike humility and curiosity are essential for entering the kingdom of heaven. In this verse, we are encouraged to approach God with a childlike willingness to ask questions and seek understanding.
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 Berean Jews set an example for us in their eagerness to study the Scriptures and verify the teachings they received. This verse encourages us to critically examine the Word of God and ask questions to ensure that what we believe aligns with His truth.
Psalm 119:169
“May my cry come before you, LORD; give me understanding according to your word.”
In this verse, the psalmist recognizes the need for God’s understanding and asks Him to grant it. It is a reminder of our dependence on God’s wisdom and our willingness to seek it through prayer and study of His Word.
Luke 11:9
“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
This verse is a repetition of Matthew 7:7 and emphasizes the importance of persistence in seeking and asking God for what we need. It encourages us to trust that God is ready and willing to answer our prayers.
John 3:9
“Nicodemus answered and said to Him, ‘How can these things be?'”
Nicodemus’s question to Jesus reflects his desire to understand the spiritual truths that Jesus was teaching. This verse reminds us of the importance of asking questions and seeking clarity when we encounter teachings that may be difficult to comprehend.
Psalm 25:4
“Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths.”
This verse expresses a humble request for guidance and instruction from God. It demonstrates a willingness to ask God to reveal His ways and teach us His paths, acknowledging our need for His wisdom and direction.
Matthew 19:16
“And behold, a man came up to him, saying, ‘Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?'”
In this encounter, the man seeks Jesus for answers about eternal life. He demonstrates the importance of asking questions and seeking guidance from Jesus Himself when we have deep spiritual inquiries.
1 Thessalonians 5:21
“but test everything; hold fast what is good.”
This verse encourages us to be discerning and to test everything against the standard of truth found in God’s Word. We are encouraged to ask questions and verify the authenticity of what we are taught, holding on to what aligns with God’s truth.
Deuteronomy 6:20
“In the future, when your son asks you, ‘What is the meaning of the stipulations, decrees, and laws the LORD our God has commanded you?'”
In this verse, the importance of imparting knowledge and understanding to the next generation is highlighted. It shows the value of asking and answering questions about God’s commandments, encouraging us to foster a culture of curiosity and seeking understanding within our families and communities.
Colossians 1:9
“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives.”
Paul’s prayer for the Colossians in this verse compels us to ask God for wisdom and understanding through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It reminds us of the importance of seeking spiritual insight and direction through prayer and reliance on God’s wisdom.
1 Corinthians 14:29
“Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.”
This verse speaks to the importance of examining and questioning the messages that are shared in the context of the church. It encourages us to ask questions and discern the truth, holding on to what aligns with God’s Word.