How can I gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12)?

Psalm 90 is a prayer of Moses and the only psalm he wrote. It is the oldest of all the psalms and among the oldest passages in the Bible. Appealing to God’s eternal, sovereign, and merciful nature, Moses urges people to appreciate each day and to pay attention to life’s brevity. In verse 12, he prays, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

Psalm 90:12 encourages believers to have an eternal outlook, reminding us that life is short and pressing us to make the most of each day by considering how to live wisely. In the New Living Translation, the verse reads, “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.”

The phrase number our days means to count, weigh out, or determine the number of days we have in life. We should be mindful that our time on earth is limited (Psalm 39:4–5; 90:10; 103:15–16; James 4:14). We number our days when we realize the eternal value of our lifespan. By acknowledging life’s brevity, we are motivated to use our days purposefully, storing up treasure in heaven, rather than wastefully, storing up treasure on earth (see Matthew 6:19–21). This awareness promotes humility and encourages us to make choices that count for eternity.

Gaining a heart of wisdom begins with establishing the right priorities. As we appreciate the value and scarcity of our days, we begin living for what truly matters. We will make conscious choices that align with kingdom principles, so our life reflects wisdom in action (Proverbs 2:1–6; Matthew 6:33). John Piper preached, “There is scarcely any thought that will purge our priorities of vain and worldly perceptions like the thought of our imminent death. O how cleansing it is to ponder the kind of life we would like to look back on when we come to die. There is great wisdom in such meditation” (Sermons from John Piper, 1980—1989; Desiring God, 2007).

Another foundational practice for gaining a heart of wisdom is seeking God’s guidance through prayer. Wisdom, according to the Bible, begins with reverence for God and getting to know Him (Proverbs 9:10). Solomon sought God for wisdom and understanding, which he received (1 Kings 3:11–12). Others in the Bible, like Daniel, Paul, and James, all sought wisdom from the Lord through prayer and received it (Daniel 2:23–30; Colossians 1:9; Ephesians 1:17; James 1:5). As we pray, we can ask God to guide our decisions, thoughts, and actions.

God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). Regularly reading Scripture and meditating on its teachings will deepen our understanding and help us apply wisdom in daily life (Psalm 1:1–3; Joshua 1:8; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; James 1:22–25). In addition, we can incorporate theological studies and devotional reading to help explain and expand our grasp of biblical truth.

We can also gain a heart of wisdom by reflecting on and learning from our experiences, successes, and failures (Deuteronomy 4:9; Ecclesiastes 7:25). Real-life lessons help us grow in understanding, discernment, and compassion (James 1:2–4). Journaling, quiet contemplation, and discussions with trusted Christian mentors can all aid in this process.

Wisdom is often gained through humility—recognizing our limitations and being open to learning from others (Proverbs 11:2; 12:15). Cultivating gratitude for each day and for the people around us helps us maintain a proper perspective and appreciate the blessings in our lives.

Wisdom grows as we seek not only our own good but also the good of others. Acts of kindness, service, and compassion demonstrate a wise heart that understands the interconnectedness of humanity and the importance of loving one another (Proverbs 11:25; Matthew 20:26–28; Galatians 5:13).

Ultimately, we gain a heart of wisdom through knowing Jesus Christ, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:2–3; 1 Corinthians 1:24). Surrendering our lives to His Lordship is the initial step in acquiring true wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30). This wisdom is not something we naturally possess—it is a supernatural gift of God’s Spirit that develops in us through faithfulness in prayer, reflection, study, and devotion to Christ (1 Corinthians 2:12–14; Colossians 1:9; James 3:17).

Gaining a heart of wisdom is a lifelong journey as we grow in spiritual maturity, conforming to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 4:13; Philippians 3:12–16). By living each day with eternal perspective, we can cultivate the wisdom that Psalm 90:12 calls us to pursue. May Moses’s prayer be a daily reminder to live wisely and purposefully, keeping God’s kingdom as our highest priority.