Psalms 90:12

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

So teach {H3045}{H8685)} us to number {H4487}{H8800)} our days {H3117}, that we may apply {H935}{H8686)} our hearts {H3824} unto wisdom {H2451}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So teach us to count our days, so that we will become wise.

Berean Standard Bible

So teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom.

American Standard Version

So teach us to number our days, That we may get us a heart of wisdom.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 90:12 presents a profound prayer, traditionally attributed to Moses, that implores God to impart a deep, spiritual understanding of life's inherent brevity and fragility. This divine instruction to "number our days" transcends mere chronological counting, serving instead as a call for a profound spiritual reckoning. The ultimate purpose of this awareness is to "apply our hearts unto wisdom," signifying a wholehearted, intentional commitment to living in alignment with God's eternal purposes, prioritizing what truly matters in light of human mortality and God's everlasting nature.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 90 stands as a unique and ancient prayer, traditionally attributed to Moses, making it a foundational piece within the Psalter. It establishes a stark theological contrast between the eternal, unchanging nature of God and the fleeting, temporary existence of humanity. The preceding verses, such as [Psalms 90:3-6](/psalms/90-3-6 "The Frailty of Man and the Swiftness of Time") and [Psalms 90:7-11](/psalms/90-7-11 "God's Wrath and Human Mortality"), vividly lament human mortality, describing life as a quickly passing dream, grass that withers, or a tale that is told. This brevity is often linked to God's righteous judgment against sin, highlighting humanity's fallen state. Against this sobering backdrop of divine wrath and human transience, verse 12 emerges as a heartfelt plea for divine intervention—a request for wisdom to navigate this brief existence meaningfully, rather than succumbing to despair, recklessness, or the futility of a life lived apart from God's purposes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by Moses, likely during the forty years of wandering in the wilderness, Psalm 90 reflects the harsh realities and profound spiritual lessons of that era. The generation that left Egypt was condemned to die in the wilderness due to their disobedience and unbelief, making mortality a pervasive and immediate reality for Moses and the Israelites. This historical context imbues the psalm with a deep sense of human frailty, the consequences of sin, and the stark contrast with God's enduring faithfulness. Culturally, ancient Israel understood time not merely as a linear progression but as a divinely ordained gift, with each day an opportunity for obedience and worship. The "heart" (לֵבָב, _lêbâb_) in Hebrew thought was the seat of intellect, will, and emotion, representing the totality of a person's inner being. Thus, "applying the heart" meant a complete, intentional orientation of one's entire self toward a particular goal, signifying a holistic commitment of one's inner life.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 90 is rich with theological themes that converge powerfully in verse 12. A central theme is the **contrast between divine eternality and human mortality**, emphasizing God's timelessness (e.g., [Psalms 90:2](/psalms/90-2 "God's Eternal Nature")) against humanity's brief lifespan. This psalm also powerfully conveys the theme of **divine judgment and wrath** against sin (e.g., [Psalms 90:7-9](/psalms/90-7-9 "The Effects of God's Anger")), which contributes to the brevity and toil of human life. Within this sobering reality, the plea for wisdom emerges as a critical theme, highlighting humanity's dependence on God for insight into purposeful living. The verse underscores the **stewardship of time**, urging believers to live intentionally and make the most of their days, rather than squandering them. This wisdom is not mere intellectual knowledge but a practical, spiritual discernment that shapes priorities and actions, aligning them with God's will and eternal purposes, echoing similar calls for divine wisdom found throughout the wisdom literature, such as in [Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "God Gives Wisdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **teach (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ_ H3045):** While the KJV translates it as "teach," the underlying Hebrew root means "to know" or "to ascertain by seeing." In this context, it implies God imparting a deep, experiential knowledge or understanding of the brevity of life. It's not just intellectual instruction, but a divine illumination that enables one to truly grasp and internalize the finite nature of existence, leading to a transformative realization.
* **number (Hebrew, _mânâh_ H4487):** This verb means "to weigh out," "to allot," "to enumerate," or "to count." Here, it signifies more than a simple chronological tally. It implies a careful calculation, a thoughtful estimation, or a profound consideration of the limited quantity of one's days. It is about gaining a sober, realistic perspective on life's brevity, leading to a deep appreciation of its preciousness and finite nature.
* **apply (Hebrew, _bôwʼ_ H935):** The root meaning of this verb is "to go" or "to come." When used with "heart," as here, it signifies directing, bringing, or inclining one's heart towards a specific goal. It implies an active, intentional, and deliberate orientation of one's entire inner being—thoughts, desires, and will—towards the pursuit and embodiment of wisdom, rather than a passive reception or a casual inclination.
* **hearts (Hebrew, _lêbâb_ H3824):** In Hebrew anthropology, the "heart" is not merely the seat of emotions but the core of one's being—the center of intellect, will, and moral decision-making. To "apply our hearts" means to commit our entire inner person, our deepest thoughts, affections, and intentions, fully and unreservedly to the pursuit and embodiment of wisdom. It represents a holistic dedication of one's inner life.
* **wisdom (Hebrew, _chokmâh_ H2451):** This term refers to practical, spiritual wisdom, often contrasted with mere intellectual knowledge or cleverness. It is the skill of living life well in God's sight, discerning His will, and aligning one's actions with His divine purposes. It encompasses moral insight, prudence, and the ability to make righteous choices, leading to a life characterized by integrity and godliness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So teach us to number our days,"**: This opening clause is a direct, urgent petition to God, acknowledging human inability to grasp the true nature of time without divine intervention. The request is for God to impart a profound, spiritual understanding of life's brevity and fragility. It is a prayer for perspective, enabling individuals to recognize that their days are finite and therefore incredibly valuable, not to be squandered but to be lived with intentionality and purpose. This divine teaching is essential for moving beyond a superficial existence to one of deep, purposeful awareness.
* **"that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."**: This clause reveals the ultimate purpose and desired outcome of "numbering our days." The awareness of mortality is not meant to induce despair or fatalism, but to motivate a wholehearted pursuit of wisdom. This "wisdom" (חָכְמָה, _chokmâh_) is not mere intellectual knowledge or cleverness, but a practical, spiritual discernment that shapes one's priorities, decisions, and actions in alignment with God's will. It implies living skillfully and righteously in every aspect of life, making every moment count for eternal purposes, reflecting a life lived in reverence, obedience, and devotion to God.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 90:12 employs several potent literary devices that amplify its theological message. Fundamentally, the verse functions as a **Prayer**, a direct address and petition to God, characteristic of many psalms. The phrase "number our days" uses **Metaphor** and **Synecdoche**, where "days" represents the entirety of one's finite life, and "numbering" metaphorically stands for gaining a profound, sober understanding of life's limited duration and inherent value. There is a clear **Purpose Clause** indicated by "that we may," explicitly linking the divine teaching to the desired outcome of acquiring wisdom. Furthermore, the verse exhibits **Synthetic Parallelism**, where the second line expands upon and completes the thought of the first. "Numbering our days" (the means) leads to "applying our hearts unto wisdom" (the end), creating a cause-and-effect relationship that deepens the theological message. The concept of the "heart" (לֵבָב) also functions as a **Merism** or **Holistic Representation**, standing for the entirety of a person's inner being—intellect, will, and emotion—underscoring the comprehensive nature of the desired commitment to wisdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 90:12 masterfully encapsulates a profound theological truth: human wisdom regarding life's brevity and purpose is not innate but a divine gift. It underscores the critical importance of living with an eternal perspective, recognizing that our earthly existence, though fleeting, is a precious opportunity for spiritual growth and glorifying God. The prayer for wisdom is a recognition of our dependence on God to rightly discern how to steward our time, talents, and resources in a way that truly matters, rather than being consumed by temporal pursuits. This wisdom is fundamentally practical and relational, guiding us to live lives of integrity, purpose, and devotion, understanding that true fulfillment comes from aligning our will with God's. It challenges the common human tendency to live as if life will never end, or conversely, to live in despair, instead calling us to a balanced, purposeful existence rooted in divine insight.

* [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "Asking God for Wisdom")
* [Ephesians 5:15-16](/ephesians/5-15-16 "Making the Best Use of Time")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 90:12 offers a timeless and urgent call for introspection in a world often characterized by busyness, distraction, and a relentless focus on immediate gratification. To "number our days" is to cultivate a profound awareness of our mortality, not to induce fear or paralysis, but to ignite a passion for intentional living. It compels us to evaluate our priorities, asking whether our daily pursuits align with our ultimate purpose and eternal destiny. This verse challenges us to move beyond simply existing to truly living, making every moment count for God's glory and the advancement of His kingdom. It encourages a deliberate, prayerful approach to time management, viewing each day as a sacred trust and an opportunity to grow in Christ-likeness and to serve others. The application of our hearts to wisdom means seeking God's perspective in all decisions, allowing His truth to shape our values and guide our actions, ensuring that our lives are built on foundations that endure beyond the fleeting nature of this world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does a conscious awareness of your own mortality impact your daily priorities and decisions?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need God's wisdom to better "apply your heart" and steward your time?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to live more intentionally, making your days count for eternal purposes?**
* **How does the fleeting nature of life, as described in Psalm 90, motivate you to seek a deeper, more urgent relationship with God?**

### FAQ
**What does it truly mean to "number our days" as Psalm 90:12 suggests?**

Answer: To "number our days" does not mean to literally count them chronologically, but rather to gain a profound, spiritual awareness and understanding of their finite nature. It's a plea for divine perspective that helps us grasp the brevity and preciousness of life. This awareness should lead to a sober reflection on our mortality, prompting us to live with intentionality, purpose, and wisdom. It's about valuing each day as a gift from God and recognizing that our time on earth is limited, thereby motivating us to make the most of it for eternal significance, rather than squandering it on trivial or temporary pursuits. It's a call to live mindfully and purposefully in light of our ultimate end, ensuring our actions reflect a proper understanding of life's true value.

**How is the "wisdom" sought in this verse different from worldly knowledge or cleverness?**

Answer: The "wisdom" (חָכְמָה, _chokmâh_) referred to in [Psalms 90:12](/psalms/90-12 "Teach Us to Number Our Days") is not merely intellectual acumen, human cleverness, or worldly knowledge. Instead, it is a practical, spiritual wisdom that originates from God and enables us to live skillfully and righteously in His sight. It is fundamentally about discerning God's will and aligning our lives with His purposes. This wisdom impacts our priorities, decisions, and actions, guiding us to live in a way that honors God and serves His kingdom. As [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "The Fear of the Lord") states, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." It is a wisdom that leads to a life well-lived in God's eyes, marked by integrity, discernment, and a focus on eternal values, rather than fleeting earthly gains.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 90:12, a prayer for divine wisdom in the face of human mortality, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. While Moses prayed for wisdom to navigate a fleeting existence, Christ Himself is the very embodiment of divine wisdom, the power and wisdom of God (cf. [1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")) and in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Christ, in Whom Are All Treasures of Wisdom")). In Him, we not only gain the understanding to "number our days" but also the power to live them purposefully. Jesus's life perfectly demonstrated how to redeem time, living every moment in perfect obedience to the Father, culminating in His sacrificial death and resurrection, which conquered death itself. Through faith in Christ, our numbered days are not merely a countdown to an inevitable end, but a journey transformed by the promise of eternal life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God So Loved the World")). He teaches us to live with an eternal perspective, not by fear of death, but by the hope of resurrection and the call to invest our lives in what truly lasts ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")). Thus, applying our hearts to wisdom ultimately means applying our hearts to Christ, who is our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "Christ Our Wisdom")). He empowers us to "make the best use of the time, because the days are evil" ([Ephesians 5:16](/ephesians/5-16 "Redeeming the Time")), living lives that glorify God and bear lasting fruit for His kingdom, even within the confines of our finite earthly journey.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ephesians 5:16

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Ephesians 5:17

Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord [is].

Psalms 39:4

LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it [is; that] I may know how frail I [am].

John 9:4

I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

Deuteronomy 32:29

O that they were wise, [that] they understood this, [that] they would consider their latter end!

Proverbs 4:7

Wisdom [is] the principal thing; [therefore] get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

Proverbs 3:13

¶ Happy [is] the man [that] findeth wisdom, and the man [that] getteth understanding.