Psalms 90:12

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Psalms 90:12 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 90 is attributed to Moses, the man of God, and is known as a prayer reflecting on the eternal nature of God and the brevity of human life. Moses contrasts the everlasting nature of God with the fleeting existence of humanity, emphasizing the need for God’s guidance and wisdom.

Meaning

In Psalm 90:12, Moses asks God to teach us to number our days. This verse holds a powerful message about the importance of recognizing the brevity and fragility of human life. It urges us to consider the limited time we have on Earth and to use it wisely.

Numbering our days means assigning a value to each day, recognizing its significance, and understanding that time is a finite resource. It encourages us to be mindful of the passing of time and to make the most of every opportunity. The request is for divine teaching because only God can truly impress upon us the reality of our mortality and the urgency of living wisely.

Applying our hearts unto wisdom means that as we understand the limited nature of our days, we are led to use our hearts to pursue wisdom. In biblical thought, the heart is the center of the whole person—mind, will, and emotions. A heart of wisdom involves a deep, internal transformation that shapes how we live. Wisdom here is not merely intellectual knowledge but a practical, applied understanding that aligns our choices with God’s truth and purposes.

Biblical connections

The context of Psalm 90, with its contrast between God’s eternal nature and human transience, underscores the need for this wisdom. The verse’s placement in a psalm of lament and trust suggests that numbering our days is a response to the reality of suffering and the brevity of life, leading to a humble and dependent posture before God.

Application

Reflecting on the brevity of life reminds us of our mortality. It encourages us to live with purpose, not taking our days for granted but cherishing and making the most of them. Understanding that our days are numbered helps us prioritize our time and invest it wisely. It prompts us to evaluate how we spend our days, ensuring that we focus on what truly matters, such as cultivating relationships, serving others, and growing in our relationship with God.

The verse emphasizes the need to apply our hearts unto wisdom. It reminds us to seek divine wisdom through prayer, studying God’s Word, and seeking godly counsel. By doing so, we can make choices that align with God’s principles and bring about lasting impact and blessing.

Reflection

Recognizing the transient nature of our earthly lives prompts us to fix our eyes on eternity. It reminds us that our ultimate home is not in this world but in the presence of God. This perspective helps us live with an eternal mindset, prioritizing heavenly values over temporal pursuits.