Bible Strands
Psalms 90:12
So teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Moses addresses the LORD, framing a plea for divine instruction on valuing human lifespan between a declaration of God's wrath and a direct request for His return and compassion.
The words — The Hebrew לִמְנ֣וֹת (li/m-not) carries the literal sense "to count" or "to number," while הוֹדַ֑ע (ho-Da') means "teach [us]."
The thread — The text's focus on measuring life runs through Psalms 39:4, which explicitly asks God to reveal the measure of days, and aligns with the urgency found in Ephesians 5:16 and John 9:4 regarding the limited window for purposeful action.
Why it lands — The verse commands the reader to ask God to instruct them in counting their days so that their life yields a heart of wisdom rather than mere duration.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
Cross-references
- Ephesians 5:16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
- Psalms 39:4 “Show me, O LORD, my end and the measure of my days. Let me know how fleeting my life is.
- John 9:4 While it is daytime, we must do the works of Him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work.
- Deuteronomy 32:29 If only they were wise, they would understand it; they would comprehend their fate.
- Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.
- Proverbs 3:13 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding,
- Proverbs 16:16 How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.
- Proverbs 23:12 Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.
- Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.
- Luke 12:35 Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning.