24/12/2025
Psalm 90:12 (NIV)
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
This is a prayer, not just a statement. Moses (the author of Psalm 90) is asking God to teach humans how to live rightly in light of life’s brevity.
2. What Does “Number Our Days” Mean?
It does not mean counting calendar days or predicting death. Biblically, it means:
Recognizing that life is short
Living with intentionality and purpose
Making choices with eternity in mind
Other Scriptures echo this idea:
James 4:14 – “You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”
Job 14:5 – God has appointed our days.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 – There is a time for everything.
To “number our days” is to live aware that time is limited and sacred.
3. Why Do We Need God to Teach Us This?
Notice the verse begins with “Teach us”. Wisdom doesn’t come naturally.
Without God:
We live as if we have unlimited time
We delay repentance, forgiveness, obedience
We prioritize temporary things over eternal ones
With God’s teaching:
We value what truly matters
We grow spiritually
We live wisely, not wastefully
Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”
4. The Goal: “A Heart of Wisdom”
Biblical wisdom is not just knowledge—it is right living.
A heart of wisdom:
Seeks God daily
Chooses obedience over convenience
Loves people well
Prepares for eternity
Ephesians 5:15–16
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.”
5. Practical Ways to “Number Our Days”
Biblically applied, this means:
Daily repentance (Psalm 51)
Walking humbly with God (Micah 6:8)
Using time well for God’s purposes
Serving others, not just self
Living ready to meet the Lord (Matthew 24:44)
6. A Simple Prayer Based on Psalm 90:12
Lord, teach me to live with the awareness that my days are few.
Help me use my time for what honors You.
Give me a heart of wisdom, not wasted years.
Amen.