According to the Bible, true knowledge is inextricably linked with God and is acquired through several key practices and attitudes.

The primary ways to get knowledge, particularly spiritual knowledge and wisdom, are:

1. From God as a Gift
The Bible is clear that ultimate wisdom and knowledge originate with God, and He gives it generously to those who seek it.

Principle Bible Verse Explanation
God is the Source Proverbs 2:6: “For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Knowledge is not merely a human acquisition but a divine gift, coming from God Himself, often through His revealed Word (Scripture).
Ask in Prayer James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” This verse encourages a direct, prayerful request to God for wisdom and knowledge, with the assurance that He will grant it liberally.
Given by the Spirit 1 Corinthians 12:8: “For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit.” The Holy Spirit is the active agent in distributing special knowledge and wisdom as spiritual gifts to individuals.

2. Through Reverence and Relationship with God
The Bible teaches that the starting point for all true knowledge is one’s relationship with God, characterized by reverence.

Principle Bible Verse Explanation
The Fear of the Lord Proverbs 1:7: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” “Fear” here means a deep, reverential awe, respect, and submission to God. This attitude is the foundation upon which all other knowledge and understanding are built. Without it, the pursuit of knowledge is considered foolishness.
Knowing God Personally 2 Peter 3:18: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” The goal is not just to know facts about God, but to grow in the personal and experiential knowledge of Jesus Christ. This knowledge is a continuous process for Christian maturity.

3. By Engaging with God’s Word and Instruction
The revealed Word of God is a crucial and reliable source for gaining both knowledge and practical instruction for life.

Principle Bible Verse Explanation
Study Scripture 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” The Scriptures are described as divinely inspired and the essential tool for instruction, correction, and growth in righteousness, which is foundational for godly knowledge.
Seek and Apply Instruction Proverbs 2:1-5: “My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.” This passage encourages an active, whole-hearted, and diligent pursuit of knowledge and understanding, treating it as more valuable than physical wealth.
Discipline and Listening Proverbs 18:15: “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.” Acquiring knowledge requires a discerning, receptive heart and a willingness to seek out and listen to instruction and advice.
A Warning About Knowledge
The Bible also includes a cautionary perspective on knowledge that is not rooted in a right relationship with God:

1 Corinthians 8:1: “Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that ‘all of us possess knowledge.’ This ‘knowledge’ puffs up, but love builds up.”

Knowledge pursued for its own sake, without the tempering factor of love and humility, can lead to pride and be spiritually unproductive or even destructive. True, godly knowledge must be applied with love.