Have you ever been told, “There’s no such thing as a bad question?” We often hear that in circumstances where folks might be hesitant to speak up but when dialogue needs to be encouraged. And in some circumstances, maybe there are no wrong questions. But bad questions certainly exist because sometimes questions are asked by those with evil motives. Throughout the Bible, there are many instances of bad questions.
For example, in Genesis 4, we read about the first murder. Cain slew his brother in anger and jealousy, and when God asked Cain, “Where is Abel, your brother?” Cain responded, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?” Cain’s question was rooted in dishonesty. It was a deflection to try and avoid the truth. Some folk lie with statements—others deceive through questions. Cain demonstrated a lack of remorse over his sin, and lastly, his question was off the mark. Yes, he was his brother’s keeper! Cain’s question was meant to deflect, but it revealed more about him than he realized.