One suggestion I have about questions though is - never ask a question if you aren’t prepared to ‘hear’ the response. If all you want is affirmation or applause, you could be sadly mistaken.
A question is never a statement that you haven't thought about the subject, it suggests that you have and want to see if your understanding is met by another's or if there will be iron sharpening iron or something entirely different. It does indicate that though you may have at least a beginning understanding - you are seeking a greater depth. A question is also never a tease to gain others to your point of view.
One source says:
"In the Gospels Jesus asks many more questions than he answers. To be precise, Jesus asks 307 questions. He is asked 183 of which he only answers 3. Asking questions was central to Jesus' life and teachings."
Reason for questions?
"While God asks questions for many reasons, one of the broader patterns we see displayed in Jesus's questions is the dual need of noticing and confessing. Jesus always asks questions for our sake. And he's always bringing us to confess his Lordship and notice our need."
Which also affirms my personal reason that I ask so many questions - I want the person I'm talking with to discover and develop their own answers. In listening to the 'answer' to the question you can make a great many discoveries such as: does the speaker listen to what they are saying, how much the speaker has previously thought about the underlying premise, the level of confidence the speaker has in their opinion, how open they are to differences in understanding.
The answer to those observations will give the 'listener' a great deal of information about how to discuss the topic with the speaker. When there is a 'meeting of conditions' when both agree on format, this can result in understanding, confirmation or change, and a new level of confidence in that you've discovered the 'answer' about the focus of the discussion.
Questions, in my world, are never idle they are paths to truth when your source is the Bible. God is never 'afraid' or angry with our questions - I think they are proofs of our intentions. If you are a person who wants to learn, wants to discover then one of the best ways is to ask questions. The paths of discovery of the answer is rarely a one and done. Typically one answered question leads to a new one.
Enjoy the journey!!!
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