Meaning, commentary and cross references
Psalms 90:12
“So teach us to number our days
that we may get a heart of wisdom.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
NIV · New International Version
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
WEB · World English Bible
So teach us to count our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
What does Psalms 90:12 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Psalms 90:12
So teach us to number our days,.... Not merely to count them, how many they are, in an arithmetical way; there is no need of divine teachings for that; some few instructions from an arithmetician, and a moderate skill in arithmetic, will enable persons not only to count the years of their lives, but even how many days they have lived: nor is this to be understood of calculating or reckoning of time to come; no man can count the number of days he has to live; the number of his days, months, and years, is with the Lord; but is hid from him: the living know they shall die; but know not how long they shall live, and when they shall die: this the Lord teaches not, nor should we be solicitous to…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Psalms 90:12–17
Being condemned to have our days shortened, "Lord, teach us to number our days (Psa 90:12); Lord, give us grace duly to consider how few they are, and how little a while we have to live in this world." Note, 1. It is an excellent art rightly to number our days, so as not to be out in our calculation, as he was who counted upon many years to come when, that night, his soul was required of him. We must live under a constant apprehension of the shortness and uncertainty of life and the near approach of death and eternity.
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Psalms 90:11–13
12. Teach us so to number our days. Some translate to the number of our days, which gives the same sense. As Moses perceived that what he had hitherto taught is not comprehended by the understandings of men until God shine upon them by his Spirit, he now sets himself to prayer.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Psalms 90:9–15 (WEB)
9For all our days have passed away in your wrath. We bring our years to an end as a sigh. 10The 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. 11Who knows the power of your anger, your wrath according to the fear that is due to you? 12So teach us to count our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. 13Relent, LORD! How long? Have compassion on your servants! 14Satisfy us in the morning with your loving kindness, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. 15Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen evil.
Cross references
- Ephesians 5:16–17
redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
- Psalms 39:4
- John 9:4
I must work the works of him who sent me while it is day. The night is coming, when no one can work.
- Deuteronomy 32:29
Oh that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!
- Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is supreme. Get wisdom. Yes, though it costs all your possessions, get understanding.
- Proverbs 3:13–18
Happy is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gets understanding.
- Proverbs 16:16
How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
- Proverbs 23:12
Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to the words of knowledge.