How can we gain wisdom to number our days?

I. Defining “Numbering Our Days”

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)

Numbering our days involves understanding that our lives on earth are finite and intentionally seeking wisdom to live with purpose, integrity, and focus. It is an acknowledgment of our temporal existence in light of eternal truths. The Scriptures repeatedly emphasize this perspective, urging believers to be mindful that every breath is a gift and that our ultimate accountability is before the One who created all things.

II. Scriptural Foundations and Key Passages

1. Psalm 90:12: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

– This prayer, attributed to Moses, focuses on the desire for divine instruction that leads to understanding the brevity of life. Encompassing humility before God, the passage encourages seeking His guidance to make days count for eternal value.

2. James 4:14: “You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”

– This passage underscores the uncertainty of tomorrow. It echoes the ephemeral nature of life and directs us to hold a posture of dependence on God’s will.

3. Ephesians 5:15–16: “Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

– Here, believers are called to walk in wisdom and make the most of every opportunity. This includes recognizing the stewardship of the limited time allotted to each person.

4. Ecclesiastes 12:1: “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come…”

– This admonition encourages early devotion to God, reflecting that aging is inevitable, and seeking the wisdom of the Creator is beneficial from the very onset of life’s journey.

III. Understanding the Significance of Mortality

Humanity’s lifespan is comparatively short alongside the vast timeline of creation’s history. Recognizing mortality places emphasis on aligning daily living with divine priorities. The concept of numbering our days is not meant to instill fear but to inspire devotion, mindfulness, and gratitude.

Archaeological discoveries—such as ancient inscriptions from biblical cultures, tomb engravings, and time-measuring artifacts—offer historical confirmation that ancient societies were also profoundly aware of life’s brevity. The Dead Sea Scrolls, for instance, reveal consistent themes of mortality and dependence on God present in manuscripts dating back centuries, reinforcing the enduring scriptural call to make wise use of our fleeting years.

IV. Gaining a Heart of Wisdom

1. Seeking Divine Instruction

– Calling upon God for wisdom is foundational (James 1:5). This involves regular prayer, meditation on His Word, and an openness to the counsel of the Holy Spirit.

2. Immersing in Scripture

– Daily reading and study of the Bible informs moral and spiritual discernment (Psalm 119:105). Familiarity with God’s revelation shapes character and decision-making in line with eternal truths.

3. Emulating Christ’s Priorities

– The Gospels present Jesus embracing times of communion with the Father (Mark 1:35). Following that example fosters a lifestyle centered on spiritual priorities over transient pursuits (Matthew 6:33).

4. Cultivating Humility and Teachability

– Recognizing one’s own limitations is essential. Muhammad ibn Idris al-Shafi‘i (though external to Scripture) captured the idea that true wisdom begins with acknowledging how little one knows. A heart inclined to learn from God, from Scripture, and from godly teachers grows in wisdom.

V. Practical Steps to Redeem the Time

1. Setting God-Honoring Goals

– Evaluating present life roles—family, vocation, fellowship—helps prioritize. Simple goal-setting, whether daily or long-term, should remain anchored in biblical principles.

2. Regular Self-Examination

– Periods of reflection and confession align personal aspirations with God’s standards (2 Corinthians 13:5). This practice helps avoid drifting into unfruitful or harmful patterns.

3. Serving Others in Love

– Engaging in acts of service within the church and community fosters a biblical perspective that life is meant for giving and glorifying God (Galatians 5:13). Consciously offering time and gifts to help others brings eternal value to everyday pursuits.

4. Balancing Rest and Labor

– Scripture portrays both diligent work (Proverbs 6:6–8) and rest (Genesis 2:2) as integral to a God-designed life. Striking that balance ensures one’s energy is productively spent and healthy reflection on God’s blessings is not neglected.

5. Living with Eternity in Focus

– Contemplating the resurrection of Christ (1 Corinthians 15), with its promise of eternal life, prompts wise stewardship of the earthly portion of our existence. Remembering that all believers will appear before God’s judgment seat (2 Corinthians 5:10) brings eternal realities to the forefront of daily choices.

VI. The Eternal Perspective and Hope

Engaging with the truth of the resurrection affirms that life extends beyond physical death. This undergirds the concept of numbering our days with wisdom because it reminds us that earthly life, though brief, can bear fruit that lasts forever (John 15:16). The resurrection of Christ is a historical anchor for hope—early biblical manuscripts, corroborated by sources detailing the earliest Christian testimony, reveal a consistent and sustained proclamation that Jesus rose bodily from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3–8). Because Christ lives, believers can invest their time, talents, and relationships with the assurance that their labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).

VII. Conclusion and Encouragement

Numbering our days is not merely about counting the passing of years but about cultivating a heart of wisdom under the guidance of Scripture. By regularly seeking divine instruction, immersing in God’s Word, emulating Christ’s example, and adopting practical steps to redeem the time, believers shape their earthly journey for deep purpose and eternal fruit.

All people face limitations set by physical mortality. Yet, through the divinely revealed wisdom of Scripture, life can be lived in full measure for God’s glory. Regardless of earthly occupation or season of life, orienting each day around the Creator’s design enables individuals to embrace life’s preciousness and find joy in serving and knowing Him. As Psalm 90:12 teaches, it is by God’s grace that we learn to number our days, and by His Spirit, we gain a heart of wisdom that endures into eternity.