Is it wrong to question God?

Answer

The issue is not whether we should question God, but how—and why—we question Him. Questioning God is not inherently wrong. The prophet Habakkuk asked God about the timing and method of His plan. Instead of scolding Habakkuk for his inquiries, God patiently responded, and the prophet concluded his book with a song of praise to the Lord.

In the Psalms (Psalms 10, 44, 74, 77), many questions are directed to God. These are the pleas of persecuted individuals in desperate need of God’s intervention and deliverance. Through the prophet Jeremiah, God declares, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” «Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. », (Jeremiah 33:3, NLT). How could it be deemed inappropriate to question God when Jesus Himself encouraged, “Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened” (Matthew 7:7-8;HCSB).

Numerous righteous men in the Bible expressed uncertainties to God regarding their ability to serve Him. Moses questioned, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11;see also Exodus 4:1,10-13;6:12,30;Numbers 11:13-15). Gideon (Judges 6:15,17, 36-40), Elijah (1 Kings 19:3-4, 10, 14), and Jeremiah <(Jeremiah 1:6; Jeremiah 15:10) were all filled with uncertainty about their role in God’s plan. Abraham questioned God’s promises (Genesis 15:8; Genesis 17:17-18). Joshua had doubts about God’s actions (Joshua 7:7-8). Even the Lord’s disciples expressed their uncertainties (Matthew 11:2-3; Mark 6:37; John 20:25).

While God may not always respond to our inquiries as we anticipate, we can infer from these passages that God welcomes any genuine question from a sincere heart. Inauthentic questions, or questions from a deceitful heart, are a different matter. The Pharisees and Jewish leaders often posed questions to Jesus with the intent to deceive or ensnare Him (John 7:53-8:11; Matthew 21:23-27; 22:15-22;), but He chose not to respond. The Bible states, “Without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him” «But without faith, it is impossible to please Him: for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. », (Hebrews 11:6). Unbelief signifies a lack of trust in the Lord «Because they did not believe in God, And did not trust in His salvation: », (Psalm 78:22) and is a manifestation of rebellion and disobedience against God (Hebrews 3:12; Hebrews 11:31).After King Saul disobeyed God, his inquiries went unanswered «And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets. », (1 Samuel 28:6).

Wondering why God allowed a particular event is entirely different from directly questioning God’s goodness or truthfulness «He that believes on the Son of God has the witness in himself: he that believes not God has made him a liar; because he believes not the record that God gave of his Son. », (see 1 John 5:10). Having doubts is not the same as questioning God’s sovereignty and attacking His character. Those attitudes stem from spiritual blindness (2 Corinthians 4:3-4;Romans 1:21;Ephesians 4:18). People who do not belong to God question His works (John 5:38;John 8:44-45;10:22-42;12:37-40).

In short, an honest question is not wrong or sinful. But cross-examination from a bitter, untrusting, or rebellious heart is the fruit of unbelief. God is not intimidated, shocked, or displeased by our heartfelt questions. He understands our weaknesses and fears (Hebrews 4:15-16;5:2) and invites us to seek transparent fellowship with Him. When we “question God,” our attitude should reflect a humble spirit, trusting heart, and open mind. We can question the Lord, but we should not expect to receive an answer unless we truly believe in Him and accept His sovereign perspective. God knows our hearts (Psalm 44:21;Romans 8:27) and whether we genuinely

We earnestly desire Him to enlighten us. Our inner intentions determine whether it is right or wrong to question God.