Teach
us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12
Psalm 90 [10.] The days of our years are seventy,
or even by reason of strength eighty years;
yet their pride is but labor and sorrow,
for it passes quickly, and we fly away.
Who knows the power of your anger,
your wrath according to the fear that is due to you?
So teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Relent, Yahweh![a]
How long?
Have compassion on your servants!
Satisfy us in the morning with your loving kindness,
that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
for as many years as we have seen evil.
Let your work appear to your servants;
your glory to their children.
Let the favor of the Lord our God be on us;
establish the work of our hands for us;
yes, establish the work of our hands.
Footnotes:
a. Psalm 90:13 “Yahweh” is God’s proper Name, sometimes rendered “LORD” (all caps) in other translations.
Meaning:
This verse, nestled within a psalm attributed to Moses, poignantly reflects on the transient nature of human life and the wisdom that comes from understanding its brevity.
- Psalm Overview:
Author: Traditionally attributed to Moses, making it one of the oldest psalms.
Theme: The psalm meditates on the eternality of God versus the frailty of human life. It contrasts the eternal nature of God with the fleeting nature of human existence.
- Structure and Content:
Verses 1-6: Reflect on God’s eternity and humanity’s mortality.
Verses 7-11: Contemplate the brevity and struggle of human life.
Verses 12-17: A prayer for wisdom, favor, and the enduring work of God’s hands.
Significance
- A Prayer for Wisdom:
Teach Us to Number Our Days: This phrase urges us to acknowledge and reflect upon the limited span of our lives. It is a call to consider the fleeting nature of time, encouraging us to live with intentionality and purpose. The concept of "numbering our days" is about recognizing that life is short and each day is a precious gift.
Gain a Heart of Wisdom: The goal of numbering our days is to cultivate wisdom. Wisdom here is not just knowledge or understanding but a practical, life-guiding perspective that aligns with God’s purposes. It involves making choices that reflect eternal values rather than transient pleasures.
Theological Reflection
- Eternal God and Temporal Man:
Contrast Between God and Humanity: The psalm begins by affirming God’s eternal nature, contrasting sharply with human mortality. Psalm 90:2 states, “Before the mountains were born or you gave birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, you are God.” This highlights the vast difference between God’s eternal existence and our brief lives.
Invitation to Wisdom: By urging us to number our days, the psalm invites us to gain wisdom that comes from recognizing our dependence on God and the shortness of our earthly journey. This wisdom leads us to prioritize what truly matters in life—our relationship with God and our impact on others.
Practical Applications
- Living with Eternity in Mind:
Reflect on Your Mortality: Take time to consider the transient nature of life. This can be a powerful exercise in humility and perspective, helping us to focus on what truly matters.
Set Priorities: Let the reality of our limited days inspire us to prioritize our lives. Invest time in relationships, faith, and activities that have eternal value. As Jesus taught, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” (Matthew 6:19-20).
- Pursuing Wisdom:
Seek God’s Wisdom: Proverbs 9:10 tells us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Seek God’s guidance and wisdom in all areas of life.
Practical Steps: Engage in practices that foster wisdom, such as prayer, meditation on Scripture, seeking counsel from wise mentors, and learning from life’s experiences.
- Making the Most of Every Day:
Be Intentional: Use your time wisely, making deliberate choices that reflect God’s will. Ephesians 5:15-16 urges, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”
Serve Others: Let your days be marked by service to others. Jesus’ life exemplifies the wisdom of serving others sacrificially. Galatians 5:13 encourages us, “Serve one another in love.”
Cross-References:
Psalm 39:4-5: “Lord, make me to know my end, and the measure of my days, what it is. Let me know how frail I am. Behold, you have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely every man stands as a breath.” This psalm echoes the theme of human mortality, urging us to recognize the brevity of life.
James 4:13-14: “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into this city, and spend a year there, and trade, and make a profit;’ whereas you don’t know what your life will be like tomorrow. For what is your life? For you are a vapor that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away.” James emphasizes the uncertainty of life, urging us to acknowledge our dependence on God’s will.
Ephesians 5:15-17: “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore don’t be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” This passage calls us to live wisely and make the most of our time, aligning our lives with God’s will.
Conclusion: Psalm 90:12 is a profound reminder of the fleeting nature of human life and the eternal wisdom that comes from acknowledging our mortality. As we number our days, may we be inspired to live with purpose, seeking God’s wisdom and making choices that reflect His eternal values. Let us embrace each day with gratitude, intentionality, and a heart that seeks to honor God in all things. In doing so, we gain a perspective that not only enriches our lives but also contributes to the lasting impact of God’s kingdom on earth.
deeds - evil - vigilance
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible