Explain Bible

What does the Bible say about doubting?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible acknowledges that believers may struggle with doubt, yet calls them to seek God in faith, trusting his wisdom, strength, and saving grace. James 1:6 warns against a divided, wavering heart when asking God for wisdom, while Romans 8:26-27 comforts the weak by showing that the Spirit intercedes for them. Isaiah 40:28 proclaims that the everlasting God never grows weary, and Matthew 6:31-34 directs anxious hearts to the Father's care. Trials may grieve believers for a time, as 1 Peter 1:6 says, but they refine faith. Christians are therefore invited to bring their uncertainty to God, hear his Word, and rest in Christ rather than in their own strength.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • James 1:6

    But let him ask in faith, without any doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven by the wind and tossed.

  • Romans 8:26-27

    [26] In the same way, the Spirit also helps our weaknesses, for we don't know how to pray as we ought. But the Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings which can't be uttered. [27] He who searches the hearts knows what is on the Spirit's mind, because he makes intercession for the saints according to God.

  • Isaiah 40:28

    Have you not known? have you not heard? The everlasting God, Yahweh, the Creator of the ends of the earth, doesn't faint, neither is weary; there is no searching of his understanding.

  • Proverbs 24:10

    If you falter in the time of trouble, Your strength is small.

  • Matthew 6:31-34

    [31] "Therefore don't be anxious, saying, 'What will we eat?', 'What will we drink?' or, 'With what will we be clothed?' [32] For the Gentiles seek after all these things, for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. [33] But seek first God's Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well. [34] Therefore don't be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day's own evil is sufficient.

  • Mark 16:16

    He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who disbelieves will be condemned.

  • 1 Peter 1:6

    Wherein you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been put to grief in various trials,

  • Acts 9:14

    Here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name."

Study outline

Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.

Nave's Topical Bible

See also

Go deeper

Ask Explain Bible AI about doubting and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.

Ask what the Bible says about doubting