Gaining a Heart of Wisdom

Opening Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

You have been our dwelling place through all generations, as the psalmist declares in Psalm 90. From everlasting to everlasting, You are God, and we are reminded that our lives are but a breath in the span of eternity. Teach us, Lord, to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Help us to live wisely, as Your Word commands: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16).

In a world that often pulls us toward distractions and wastefulness, guide us to use the time You have entrusted to us for Your glory. Let us not wait passively, but rather live purposefully, seeking to honor You in all that we do—whether in our work, our rest, or in serving others. May we be known for wise living, reflecting the holiness You call us to as Your children in a fallen world.

Grant us discernment, Lord, to make the best use of our time, understanding that every moment is a gift from You. Help us teach the next generation the value of time well spent, so they may also grow in wisdom and in service to Your kingdom.

We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior.

Amen.

Devotional:

In Psalm 90, the psalmist reflects on God’s timeless nature: “From everlasting to everlasting, You are God” (Psalm 90:2). While God is eternal, our lives are short by comparison, like a brief breath in the span of time. Yet even in this short time, our days are filled with purpose. The psalmist’s prayer in Psalm 90:12 asks God to “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

In our fast-paced world full of distractions, this prayer is more relevant than ever. Our time is a gift, and as followers of Christ, we’re called to make the most of it. Ephesians 5:15-16 encourages us in this: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”

So what does it mean to live wisely in a world full of distractions? It means living intentionally, with purpose. Instead of letting time slip away, we can approach each moment as an opportunity to honor God. In our work, rest, relationships, and service, every day offers us a chance to reflect His love and grace.

Living wisely doesn’t mean we need to be doing something extraordinary all the time. Rather, it means bringing purpose to the everyday moments, aligning our lives with God’s will. Whether it’s a kind word to a stranger, time spent with loved ones, or a moment of quiet prayer, wise living sees that each second matters in God’s bigger plan.

We’re also called to pass this wisdom on to the next generation. The way we live teaches them more than words ever could. By showing careful stewardship over our time, we can inspire others to value their time and use it for God’s glory.

As we think about how short life can be and how big God’s wisdom is, may we seek to live purposefully each day, honoring God in all we do. Time is a precious gift—let’s use it well for His kingdom and glory.

Bible Study:

Objective:

To explore the biblical principles of living wisely in light of the eternal nature of God and the brevity of life.

Opening Prayer:

"Dear Heavenly Father, as we open Your Word today, we are reminded of the brevity of life and the importance of using our time wisely. Help us to understand Your truth, and teach us to live purposefully, making the most of every opportunity You have given us. In Jesus’ name, Amen."

Scripture Passages:

1. Psalm 90:1-2, 12 (God’s Eternity and Our Brevity)

   • “Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God... Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

2. Ephesians 5:15-16 (Living Wisely and Purposefully)

   • “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”

3. James 4:13-15 (The Uncertainty of Tomorrow)

   • “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’”

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the psalmist describe the difference between God’s eternity and our finite lives?

   • Reflect on Psalm 90:1-2. How does knowing that God is eternal change the way we view our short time on earth?

2. What does it mean to “number our days aright”?

   • Consider Psalm 90:12. What practical steps can we take to live with a heart of wisdom, recognizing that our time is limited?

3. How can we make the most of every opportunity in our daily lives?

   • Discuss Ephesians 5:15-16. What distractions keep us from living wisely? What changes can we make to prioritize our time for God’s glory?

4. How does James 4:13-15 challenge the way we think about the future?

   • James reminds us that we cannot control what will happen tomorrow. How does this passage encourage us to live in dependence on God rather than our own plans?

Activity:

• Personal Time Audit:

  • Encourage participants to do a time audit of their week. Have them reflect on how much time they spend on various activities (work, rest, social media, prayer, etc.). Afterward, discuss ways they can reallocate their time to reflect godly priorities, ensuring they make the most of each day.

Practical Application:

• Invest in Relationships: Time spent with loved ones, especially teaching younger generations, is never wasted. Look for ways to invest time in meaningful conversations, discipleship, and acts of service.

• Daily Devotion: Set aside time each day to pray and read Scripture, seeking wisdom from God to guide your time and decisions.

Closing Prayer:

"Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of time and for the opportunity to serve You each day. Help us to live wisely, making the most of every moment. May our lives be a reflection of Your holiness and grace, and may we teach others to do the same. In Jesus' name, Amen."