“So, teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12) is the climactic conclusion to Moses’ thoughtful and sobering contemplation of Jehovah’s eternal nature, the brevity of life, and the certainty of God’s righteous judgment (Psalm 90:1-11).
- Jehovah is life’s ultimate and inescapable reality. He is from everlasting to everlasting; therefore, He is called “I am that I am” (Exodus 3:6).
- The average person’s tenure of 70 to 80 years on earth is brief. Like a flood. Like a night’s sleep. Like grass in the field.
- The righteous judgment of the One who is no respecter of persons is certain. His track record is spotless: Jehovah rewards those who diligently seek Him and punishes those who don’t.
In light of these three immutable facts, anyone desiring to possess a heart of wisdom must number his days. One commentary on this verse has: “Teach us to use wisely all the time we have.” This concept is echoed in the New Testament when the apostle Paul wrote, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time…” To walk circumspectly is to live with careful, accurate obedience to God’s will. To redeem the time is to buy up, take advantage of every opportunity today offers. Why?
Because God is.
Because there is no guarantee of tomorrow.
Because Jesus is the author of salvation to everyone who obeys Him (Hebrews 5:9), and today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).
