Dumb Questions

 Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; 

“There are naive questions, tedious questions, ill-phrased questions, questions put after inadequate self-criticism. But every question is a cry to understand the world. There is no such thing as a dumb question.” ― Carl Sagan. The first couple years I was a pastor, I believed that every question someone asked was because they were seeking an answer and wanted my opinion. It didn’t take long to understand that not every questioner has good intentions. I also quickly learned that not every question, even if it had good intentions, was something I should concern myself with. Why did I try to answer every question? Partly because I was naive and thought every questioner had good intentions. Partly because I was proud and liked to think I could answer every question. Partly because I wanted to help people, and after all, “every question is a cry to understand the world.” If Carl Sagan had read, or believed the Bible, he would have known that wasn’t true. Paul said there are such things as dumb questions. 

What makes a question foolish? If they are idle or unlearned (2 Timothy 2:23). An unlearned question tells us that not every question is a search for the truth. Often, a question is to find out what someone else believes, or to make them think through their own position. Those are not foolish. A fool asks unanswerable questions. A fool asks questions that are impious and ungodly. Some people sit around and think of ridiculous questions about the Bible and about spiritual things. They ponder mysteries that have no spiritual benefit and no Scriptural answer. I’ll spare you examples lest you start thinking about them. It’s idle speculation. When the Bible has nothing to say about something, then your guess is as good as mine. Which also means your guess is just as worthless as mine.  Why then spend time asking questions that you’ll never know the answer to, and when you get to Heaven, at that point, you won’t even care. There is plenty of truth in the Bible to last you the rest of your life. 

Why avoid them? Because, “they are unprofitable and vain.” You should avoid them because there isn’t any good reason to indulge them. You won’t be able to answer them. And even if you could, there is no practical value it it. There isn’t any profit for you in thinking about it, or the other person when you answer. And even if you do answer it, the likelihood is extremely high that you’ll do nothing but start a fight and use the law of God to bludgeon your brother.  It’s a waste of your time, energy, and won’t do anyone any good, and won’t bring glory unto the Lord.  I’d be happy to answer any question about the  Scripture. and I've spent many hours since the blog started answering emails from readers who had questions. I love when people ponder the Bible, but just gaurd yourself from vain and fruitless questions.