Reason is a gift from God, and the Bible encourages us to use it wisely. Scripture shows us that faith and reason go hand in hand, urging believers to seek understanding, wisdom, and discernment in every aspect of life while keeping our trust in God’s higher plan.
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What Does The Bible Say About Reason
Isaiah 1:18
Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.
This verse highlights the invitation from God to enter into a dialogue and rational discussion with Him. God desires His people to use their intellect and engage in thoughtful reasoning and reflection.
Through reasoning with the Lord, He offers forgiveness and the opportunity for transformation, turning our scarlet sins into pure white as snow. This verse teaches us that reasoning with God leads to redemption and restoration.
Proverbs 14:15
The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.
This verse emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and discernment. It warns against blindly accepting every idea or belief, advocating instead for thoughtful consideration and weighing of options before making decisions.
Being prudent and giving thought to our steps leads to wise choices and helps us avoid pitfalls and deception.
Acts 17:2
And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures.
This passage showcases the apostle Paul engaging in reasoned discourse and intellectual dialogue with the people of Thessalonica. He used the Scriptures as the foundation for his reasoning, showing the importance of grounding our arguments in God’s Word.
Reasoning from the Scriptures allows us to effectively communicate the truths of the gospel and engage in meaningful conversations with others, leading them to a deeper understanding and faith in Christ.
Job 12:12
Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days.
This verse acknowledges the connection between wisdom and experience. Through the passage of time, people gain knowledge and understanding that can be applied to reasoning and decision-making.
It reminds us to honor and seek the counsel of those who have lived longer, recognizing the invaluable wisdom they possess from their years of experience.
1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.
Here, believers are encouraged to be prepared to give a reason or defense for their faith when asked. This verse emphasizes the importance of being able to articulate our beliefs and provide sound reasoning for why we have hope in Christ.
Furthermore, it highlights the need to approach such conversations with gentleness and respect, recognizing that reasoning with others is an opportunity to share God’s love and truth.
Proverbs 2:6
For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
This verse affirms that wisdom and understanding are gifts from the Lord. God is the source of true knowledge and insight, and through seeking Him, we can attain a deeper level of reasoning.
By acknowledging God as the ultimate authority in our lives, we open ourselves up to receive the wisdom that enables us to reason and make decisions according to His will.
Acts 17:17
So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there.
In this verse, the apostle Paul is once again seen engaging in reasoned discussion, this time in the synagogue and marketplace. He sought out opportunities to engage with people from all walks of life, using reasoned arguments to share the gospel.
Paul’s example encourages us to actively engage in reasoning with others, meeting them where they are and presenting the truth of God’s Word in a logical and persuasive manner.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
This well-known verse reminds us that true reasoning involves placing our complete trust in the Lord rather than relying solely on our own understanding and intellect.
By acknowledging God in all aspects of our lives and surrendering our reasoning to Him, we allow Him to guide our paths and lead us in the right direction.
Acts 17:8
They reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.”
In this verse, the apostle Paul employs reasoning to explain and prove the necessity of Christ’s suffering and resurrection. He uses scriptural evidence to build a logical case for the identity of Jesus as the Messiah.
Through this example, we learn that reasoning based on the Scriptures is a powerful tool in communicating the truth of the gospel and helping others come to faith in Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:5
So that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
This verse reminds us that true faith is not based on human wisdom or reasoning alone, but on the power of God. It encourages us to place our trust in God’s supernatural ability to reveal truth and transform lives.
When our faith rests in the power of God, rather than in the flawed reasoning of men, we can experience a deeper level of assurance and confidence in our relationship with Him.
2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.
This verse teaches the importance of reason and persuasion in sharing the Word of God. It encourages us to be prepared at all times, using reasoned arguments to reprove, rebuke, and exhort others with patience and sound teaching.
By combining reasoning with patience and love, we can effectively communicate God’s truth and bring about transformation in the lives of those we interact with.
Proverbs 15:28
The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
This verse emphasizes the value of thoughtful reflection and reasoning before responding. The righteous person carefully considers their words and responses, seeking to give wise and edifying answers.
In contrast, the wicked speak without thoughtful reasoning, pouring out evil and harmful words. This verse calls us to engage in reasoned conversation, exhibiting wisdom and discernment in our interactions.
Acts 18:4
And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks.
Once again, the apostle Paul is depicted engaging in reasoned discussion, this time in the synagogue. He tirelessly sought to persuade both Jews and Greeks through logical arguments and persuasion.
This verse serves as a reminder that reasoning and persuasion play a vital role in effectively sharing the gospel and expanding God’s kingdom. It encourages us to follow Paul’s example and engage in reasoned discussions to communicate the truth of Christ.
Proverbs 16:9
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
This verse speaks to the importance of reasoned planning and decision-making, while acknowledging that ultimately, it is the Lord who directs our paths and establishes our steps.
While we can engage in thoughtful reasoning and make plans, it is essential to submit our plans to God’s sovereignty, trusting that He will guide and order our steps according to His perfect will.
Acts 19:8
And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God.
In this verse, Paul is seen boldly engaging in reasoning and persuasion in the synagogue, proclaiming the truths of the kingdom of God. He used logical arguments and evidence to persuade others to embrace the gospel message.
This verse reminds us that reasoning and persuasion are powerful tools in effectively communicating the gospel and inspiring others to embrace God’s kingdom.
Proverbs 18:17
The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.
This verse cautions against making hasty judgments or conclusions without careful examination and reasoned evaluation. It highlights the importance of considering multiple perspectives and engaging in thoughtful dialogue before forming opinions.
By practicing reasoned examination and listening to differing viewpoints, we can cultivate a spirit of humility and wisdom, avoiding snap judgments and fostering understanding.
Acts 24:25
And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.”
In this verse, Paul reasons about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment before Felix, evoking a response of alarm in the governor. This example demonstrates the power of reasoned discourse to provoke introspection and conviction in others.
As believers, we are called to reason with others using sound arguments and biblical truth, trusting that the Holy Spirit can use these conversations to bring conviction and transformation.
Proverbs 25:2
It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.
This verse highlights the value of reason and exploration in seeking knowledge and understanding. While God conceals certain things, He invites us to use our reasoning abilities to search and uncover hidden truths.
By engaging in thoughtful investigation and study, we can gain deeper insights into God’s creation and His Word, bringing glory to Him through our pursuit of knowledge.
Acts 28:23
When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.
In this verse, Paul engages in lengthy reasoned discourse, expounding and testifying to the kingdom of God. He uses logical reasoning and evidence from the Law and the Prophets to persuade others about Jesus.
This passage exemplifies the importance of reasoned and comprehensive explanations in presenting the gospel. It encourages us to diligently study and use sound reasoning to effectively communicate the truths of God’s kingdom.
Proverbs 28:11
A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has understanding will find him out.
This verse contrasts the perceived wisdom of the rich man, who considers himself wise, with the understanding and discernment of the poor man, who sees through the rich man’s facade.
It serves as a reminder that true wisdom goes beyond outward appearances, and reasoning with discernment can reveal the true character and knowledge of individuals.
Acts 6:10
But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.
Here, the opponents of Stephen are unable to withstand his wisdom and the Spirit with which he speaks. Stephen’s reasoning and reliance on the Spirit’s guidance proved to be powerful and compelling.
This verse highlights the significance of combining reasoned arguments with the leading of the Spirit in our conversations. When we allow the Holy Spirit to guide our reasoning, our words can have a profound impact on those we engage with.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.
This verse speaks to the importance of reasoning in understanding the different seasons and matters of life. It acknowledges that reasoning is necessary to discern the appropriate time and action in various circumstances.
By embracing reasoned discernment, we can navigate the complexities of life more effectively and make choices that align with God’s purposes and timing.
Acts 17:18
Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection.
In this verse, Paul engages in conversations with Epicurean and Stoic philosophers, reasoning with them about Jesus and the resurrection. However, some scoff at his message, dismissing him as a mere babbler.
This passage reminds us that not everyone will be receptive to reasoned arguments or open to embracing the truth. Nonetheless, we are called to faithfully reason and proclaim God’s Word, leaving the results to Him.