Text: Proverbs 29:9
It is easy for discussions on controversial topics to become contentious, even in religion. Contentious discussions can consume our time and mental energy if we allow them to. Questions are often used to draw us into discussions, and some of these are good (cf. 1 Peter 3:15). But some questions do not need to be answered. The Bible shows us what types of questions these are.
Questions to Which We Don’t Know the Answer (1 Timothy 1:6-7)
- Some have a desire to teach, but do not know the truth well enough to explain it – new Christians are often in this position (1 Peter 2:2), but this could be true of any of us on different topics; growth is continuous (2 Peter 3:18)
- We have an obligation to speak the truth (1 Peter 4:11) – if we don’t know the truth, we can’t speak it; there is condemnation for speaking presumptuously (cf. Deuteronomy 18:20)
- This is not an excuse to be silent, but a call to study and learn (2 Timothy 2:15) – in the meantime, we can get help from others (Ephesians 4:11-12)
Questions That Lead to Speculation (1 Timothy 1:3-6)
- Speculation was contrasted with building up others in the faith (1 Timothy 1:4) – again, we have an obligation to speak the truth (1 Peter 4:11); this is found in God’s word (John 17:17)
- When we leave the truth, we get ourselves into trouble (2 John 9) – we speculate on things we cannot know (1 Timothy 1:4) because they are not revealed (Deuteronomy 29:29) or are unnecessary (2 Peter 1:3); we engage in fruitless discussions (1 Timothy 1:6) which do no good
- Remember the goal of our instruction (1 Timothy 1:5) – “teach no other doctrine” (1 Timothy 1:3, KJV)
Questions from Those Who Refuse to Acknowledge Bible Authority (Matthew 21:23-27)
- After His triumphal entry, cleansing the temple, and cursing the fig tree, Jesus’ authority was questioned – He answered a question like this earlier (John 5:33-39), but not on this occasion; instead He asked them a question; He wanted to establish whether or not they were interested in authority
- Jesus has all authority (Matthew 28:18) – His word is authoritative; we must follow it (Colossians 3:17)
- If people reject Bible authority, there is no common standard to appeal to – once that is determined, continuing the discussion is useless
Questions from Those Who Just Want to Argue (Titus 3:9-11)
- We have already talked about the need to avoid speculations and fruitless discussions (1 Timothy 1:3-6) – sometimes questions like that can be brought up by sincere people
- Other times, people just want to argue – they are factious (Titus 3:10) and want to cause strife/division
- Like those who refuse to acknowledge Bible authority, they are not interested in truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10) – until they are, we cannot help them; shake the dust off from your feet and move on (Mark 6:11)
Questions That Draw Us into Foolishness (Proverbs 26:4)
- It does not mean we do not answer the fool (Proverbs 26:5) – but do not answer as the fool answers
- In other words, do not answer the types of questions we have discussed – the fool lacks knowledge, speculates, disregards authority, and argues; do not stoop to his level
- When one persists in his foolishness, we cannot win the argument (Proverbs 29:9) – or at least we can’t convince him of it; as long as he holds onto his foolishness, we cannot help him
Conclusion
- We must be always ready to give an answer (1 Peter 3:15) – but we also must not throw pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6)
- We need to understand what types of questions do not require an answer – attempting to answer them will often be counterproductive to our efforts to teach others
