You don’t HAVE to answer every question
So, they answered and said to Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus answered and said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” ~ Mark 11:33
Have you ever had someone ask you a question that wasn’t really a question? It was more like a trap with a question mark at the end. No matter how you answered, you knew you were about to step into a conversation that wasn’t going anywhere good. It’s a little like walking into a spider web. You don’t know exactly what happened, but suddenly you’re waving your arms around trying to get out of it!
We’ve all been there at one time or another. Someone presses for information that isn’t theirs to know. Someone expects you to explain a decision that God led you to make. Or maybe you’re tempted to defend yourself because someone has misunderstood your motives. In those moments, it’s easy to feel like you owe everyone an explanation.
In today’s reading, the chief priests, scribes, and elders questioned Jesus about where His authority came from. They weren’t asking because they genuinely wanted to learn. They were trying to trap Him. Jesus recognized their motives immediately. Instead of feeling pressured to defend Himself, He answered their question with a question of His own.
Jesus wasn’t being rude or avoiding the truth. He understood that no answer would satisfy hearts that weren’t seeking truth. If He answered honestly, they would accuse Him of blasphemy. If He answered differently, He wouldn’t be telling the truth. So, He wisely chose not to answer at all.
There is an important Truth here for all of us. Wisdom knows that not every question deserves an answer. Sometimes the wisest response is to pause, pray, and let the Holy Spirit guide your words. Other times, the best response is simply no response.
Here are some ways you can apply this truth in your daily life.
- Before answering a difficult question, ask yourself whether the person is sincerely seeking understanding or simply looking for an argument or trying to be right.
- Pause before responding. Give yourself a minute to ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom instead of reacting emotionally.
- Remember that confidential information should remain confidential, even when someone is curious or persistent.
- If appropriate, ask a thoughtful question in return to better understand the person’s motives or redirect the conversation.
- Don’t feel pressured to defend every decision you make. If God has given you direction, His approval matters more than everyone else’s opinion.
Some of the conversations I wish I could take back happened because I answered too quickly. I felt like I needed to explain myself, defend my decisions, or make sure everyone understood my perspective. Rarely did that make the situation better. More often than not, it simply made the conversation longer. I’ve discovered that when I pause and look inward to quietly ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom, He has a remarkable way of giving me the right words or sometimes reminding me that no words are necessary at all.
The book of Proverbs tells us that “A soft answer turns away wrath.” Sometimes that soft answer is a gentle response, and sometimes it’s choosing not to engage in an argument that serves no good purpose. You don’t have to prove yourself to everyone. You don’t have to win every debate. You don’t have to answer every question that comes your way. There is great freedom in allowing God’s wisdom to determine when to speak and when to remain silent.
Today I want to encourage you to resist the pressure to answer every question simply because someone asks it. Before you respond, invite the Holy Spirit into the conversation and let Him guide your words. Choose wisdom over impulse, grace over defensiveness, and peace over proving your point. As you do, you’ll see that some of the strongest responses aren’t the longest ones. They’re the ones directed by God’s wisdom. Trust Him to help you know when to speak, what to say, and when silence is the most powerful answer of all.
Today’s scripture reading: Mark 11:27-33
27 Then they came again to Jerusalem. And as He was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to Him.
28 And they said to Him, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority to do these things?”
29 But Jesus answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one question; then answer Me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things:
30The baptism of John—was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me.”
31 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’
32 But if we say, ‘From men’ ”—they feared the people, for all counted John to have been a prophet indeed.
33 So they answered and said to Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus answered and said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
Journal:
- Is there a conversation where I’ve felt pressured to explain or defend myself?
- Do I usually respond too quickly, or do I pause long enough to seek God’s wisdom?
- Are there areas where I need healthier boundaries about what I share with others?
- How can I become more sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading in difficult conversations?
- What is one situation this week where I can choose wisdom instead of reacting emotionally?
The Daily Dose 