What does Psalm 90:12 mean?

Psalm 90:12 KJV

Psalms · chapter 90 · verse 12

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.Psalm 90:12 · King James Version

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What Psalm 90:12 means

Numbering days is arithmetic, and Moses asks to be taught it, because knowing life is short doesn't come naturally. The purpose is the second half: that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. This is the oldest psalm in the book, written by a man who watched a whole generation die in the wilderness.

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Psalm 90:12 in context

10The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.

11Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath.

12So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

13Return, O LORD, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants.

14O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.

Read all of Psalm 90 →

Commentary

These are the petitions of this prayer, grounded upon the foregoing meditations and acknowledgments. Is any afflicted? Let him learn thus to pray. Four things they are here directed to pray for: - I. For a sanctified use of the sad dispensation they were now under.

— Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on verses 12-17

Cross references

Key words (Strong's)

numbermânâhproperly, to weigh outH4487 →
heartslêbâbthe heartH3824 →
teachyâdaʻto knowH3045 →
applybôwʼto go or comeH935 →
daysyôwma day , whether literal , or figurativeH3117 →

Topics

Bible verses for Birthdays Bible verses about Growing Older Bible verses about New Year Bible verses for Retirement Bible verses about Time

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