Stupid Questions?

I've heard it said:  "There's no such thing as a stupid question."  A variation on this theme is, "The only stupid question is the one never asked."  I disagree with both of these statements.  I once asked a class of teenagers to provide an example of a stupid question.  Without a moment's hesitation, a hand shot up.  "Yes?"  The young man smiled and asked, "If a chicken had lips could it whistle?"  I saw no need to further prove my point.  The intent of those first two statements is often an encouragement for people to ask legitimate questions, even if they feel foolish asking them.  In a classroom it is likely that if one person finds themselves stumped, there are others who could benefit from the answer.  Too many people fear that revealing their ignorance through a question will make them the targets of ridicule and scorn.  Pride does not enjoy making room for humility, and one must humble himself to admit his lack.

I believe there is such a thing as a good question.  Jesus asked a lot of profound questions.  Because good questions exist, it stands to reason that there are questions at the opposite end of the spectrum.  Jesus was asked many leading, loaded, dishonest questions - not because people sought to gain understanding - but for the purpose of catching Jesus in His words so they might accuse Him.  There are honest and dishonest questions.  Jesus always answered honest questions, but He never entertained dishonest ones.  When the disciples of Jesus humbled themselves to ask for an explanation of a parable, He spoke to them plainly.  When the Pharisees asked dishonest questions, Jesus shot back questions of His own and turned the tables on those schemers, exposing their hypocrisy.  We should emulate Christ's example and not feel compelled to give stupid questions asked dishonestly a moment of our time.

The Bible warns Christians to guard against wasting time on foolish questions.  Titus 3:8-9 reads, "This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men. ⁹ But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless."  It is also written in 2 Timothy 2:22-25:  "Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. ²³ But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. ²⁴ And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, ²⁵ in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, ²⁶ and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will."  Foolish questions generate strife and division; they are unprofitable and useless.  There is a man who is more concerned about proving his point than by living righteously.  Instead of arguing over senseless hypothetical situations or focusing on flavour over substance, we ought to expend our energies in actually living for God.

If we find ourselves unable to steer clear of disputes, it may be that we are not walking in humility as we ought.  Jesus was humble yet was often the target of calculated debate and attack.  Through great wisdom Jesus was able to diffuse His aggressors and leave them speechless - to the point that no one dared question Him any more.  Let us follow Christ's example of answering dishonest questions with better questions still, and offering gracious instruction to those who legitimately seek understanding.  I do not have all the answers, nor do I need to feel pressure to do so.  1 Peter 3:15 exhorts us:  "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear..."  Jesus has the answers, and He is my answer.  He is my Hope!  Instead of attacking others with words, we have a sure Defense and Foundation in Jesus Christ.  Let us be clothed in humility and meekness, knowing that Christ is our Wisdom.