The Bible talks about three things that are essential to godly living - knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. All three of these things build on each other and lacking any one can be fatal.

The first is knowledge, which is WHAT we need to know. This is facts. For example, knowledge is knowing stealing is wrong.

As Christians, it is important that we know how to live, who God is, and what to do. This is often where we start our Christian growth. This is not where we should stay as Christians though.

The second thing we need is wisdom. This is HOW we do things. For example, wisdom is knowing how to avoid a situation where we would steal. The Bible says that this begins when we realize the sovereign power of God over our lives and to despise doing evil because of it.

Proverbs 8:13 - The fear of the LORD [is] to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

Many Christians know what to do. We know we should go to church, live morally, and be kind, but often we don't know how to do these things. How do we make time for church and control ourselves? We can learn how to do these things by the Bible, but also from others.

Finally, there is understanding. This is knowing WHY we should not steal. Often, this is where we fail most. We know we should go to church, we even know how to make time for it, but we do not know why we should go? Why shouldn't we drink? Why shouldn't I dress immodestly? Why did Jesus Christ die instead of just forgive us? Why isn't evolution true? These things are often lacking, and we find people leaving church because of it.

Proverbs 3:13 - Happy [is] the man [that] findeth wisdom, and the man [that] getteth understanding.

Now, to obtain these three things, the Bible says there are many ways. First is reading the Bible.

Proverbs 2:6 - For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

2 Timothy 3:16 - All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Second is praying for it.

James 1:5 - If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Second, is getting good advise and information from others. Reading books, counseling, and watching videos or podcasts for educational purposes can help us in the above areas.

Proverbs 10:8 - The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.

Proverbs 12:1 - Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof [is] brutish.

Proverbs 19:20 - Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

We as Christians can be weak by ignoring one or the other. We need the Bible to grow spiritually, but if we also ignore the advise of those who are professionals, we can find problems in our physical or mental needs. God gave us both. I believe the former is more important, but to ignore the other is very bad and irresponsible. We need to be good stewards of the mind and body God gave us by knowing what, how, and why we should do what we do. For if we don't, we may find we are in a place we don't want to be someday.

Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

Proverbs 16:16 - How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

Proverbs 6:32 - [But] whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he [that] doeth it destroyeth his own soul.

Hosea 4:6 - My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.