In some cases we learn more by looking for the answer to a question and not finding it than we do from learning the answer itself.
— Dallben, from The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander
Is the Bible a Book of Answers? Is its primary purpose to provide us with a manual for life? Do we approach the Bible as if it were a sacred vault from which specific answers can be mined – answers that will make our lives successful?
Good things can become idols. Even the actual graven images of the Old Testament were not bad in and of themselves. Some were probably admirable works of art. A thing becomes an idol when it is placed before, or in the place of, the living God. The idol can be anything – a piece of wood, the sun, the Bible, a person, or a system of answers that explains reality sufficiently for one’s own experiences.
To come to God seeking anything but himself is to come with insufficient need. A person seeking answers to life’s questions is not asking for enough. And when someone else provides the answers to those questions, he may – intentionally or not – be doing away with another’s need for God. Subtle, these things we place as other gods before God.
We seek the security of a closed system that promises answers to life’s questions long before we are interested in seeking a God who withholds them. We study the Bible as a problem-solving workbook long before we approach it as a doorway to an awesome, holy, not-to-be-pandering-to-anyone God.
Dallben was right: We learn more by not finding the answers, because in our need for answers we are most likely to find God. You can’t have God and have your questions answered at the same time. Answers too often turn into idols.
John Fischer The Catch 
Wow! I’ve never heard it put that way. Thank you, John.
I echo Janet’s comment. I’d like to add this: certainty can become an idol too.
“Answers that will make our lives successful?” I don’t think so.
Answers that will help us to better know, serve, and love the One who has given us this new and everlasting life (this new freedom) – Absolutely.
Psalm 119: 9-16 How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to your word. With all my heart i have sought You; Do not let me wander from Your commandments. Your word i have treasured in my heart that i may not sin against You, O Lord; teach me your statutes. With my lips i have told of all the ordinances of Your mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts and regard Your ways. I shall delight in Your statutes; I shall not forget your word.
Didn’t Jesus say “….If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make your free”? (John 8:31,32)
I guess like everything, it all comes back to the intention of our heart.
When Herod sought the Christ child he inquired of his religious advisors and was given the correct answer- yet no one but shepherds were present at Jesus’ birth. Jesus said that the Pharisees studied the scriptures diligently because they thought by them they possessed eternal life. But the scriptures pointed to Jesus and they steadfastly resisted Him. There is a form of religion that is anything but religious. It appears to esteem God, His Word, His purposes and His truth but is actually seeking a God-free system. It is the difference between “knowing someone” and “knowing about someone”. Jesus said that the definition of eternal life was “Knowing you, the only true God and Jesus Christ whom you have sent”.
“A thing becomes an idol when it is placed before, or in the place of, the living God. The idol can be anything – a piece of wood, the sun, the Bible, a person, or a system of answers that explains reality sufficiently for one’s own experiences.”
The internet was an idol for me. Google was my worship service. “I can find the answer to anything” was my hymn. Time to log off and readjust the priorities, tune into the God who speaks.
Thank you, John, for your example of a listening heart.