Teach Us to Number Our Days

A Message from Psalm 90 and Proverbs 1

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Introduction

Life is a series of decisions, each shaping our path.
Like braiding a rope, loose ends exist, but they don’t have to be frazzled.
Every day we make choices, but we need not make them alone.
We must not waste our days on useless pursuits.
The world is spiraling toward destruction, yet many Christians follow its course instead of Christ’s.

Psalm 90:9–12
For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told.
The 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.
Who knoweth the power of thine anger? Even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath.
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

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I. The Need for Wisdom in Our Days

1. We Have a Limited Time on Earth

• God tells us our years are 70 or 80 at most.
• The issue is not how long we live but how we use the time we have.
• We must number our days, not just our years.

Ephesians 5:15–16
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

2. Wisdom Guides Our Steps

Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

Ecclesiastes 12:13
Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

Ecclesiastes 10:10
Wisdom is profitable to direct.

3. The Foolish Waste Their Days

• The world chases vanity and lies.
• Many Christians treat life like a fairy tale, not a spiritual war.

Ecclesiastes 1:2
Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.

1 Corinthians 11:1
Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

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II. The Purpose of God’s Wisdom

Proverbs 1:1–5
The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;
To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;
To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.
A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels.

1. Solomon’s Counsel Was From God

• God gave Solomon wisdom, but he eventually turned from it.

1 Kings 11:4
...his wives turned away his heart after other gods...

2. Wisdom Brings Understanding and Justice

Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

3. Wisdom Must Be Heeded

Proverbs 1:5
A wise man will hear, and will increase learning...

David ignored wisdom and sinned. Nathan rebuked him:

2 Samuel 12:7
Thou art the man.

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III. The Voices That Compete for Our Hearts

Proverbs 1:10
My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

1. The Call of the World vs. the Call of God

• Genesis 3:1–6 — Eve was enticed by the serpent.
• Ephesians 2:2 — Satan is the prince of the power of the air.
• Isaiah 9:6 — Jesus is the Prince of Peace.

2. The Influence of a Wicked Society

1 Corinthians 3:19
The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.

3. The Consequences of Ignoring Wisdom

Proverbs 1:24–26
Because I have called, and ye refused... I also will laugh at your calamity...

Hebrews 11:25
Choosing rather to suffer affliction... than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.

Proverbs 1:27–31
They shall eat of the fruit of their own way...

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IV. The Three Types of People Who Ignore Wisdom

Proverbs 1:22
How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?

• The Simple – Ignorant but open.
• The Scorner – Mockers of truth.
• The Fool – Openly rebellious.

Luke 12:16–21 — The rich fool who planned for everything but eternity.

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V. The Call to Repentance and Salvation

Proverbs 1:23
Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.

1. God Calls to the Lost

• Luke 19:10 — The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
• 2 Peter 3:9 — Not willing that any should perish...

2. God Calls the Backslider

• Psalm 51 — David repents.
• Luke 15:20 — The prodigal returns to his father.

3. God Calls the Faithful to Commitment

• Joshua 24:15 — Choose you this day whom ye will serve.
• Romans 12:1 — Present your bodies a living sacrifice...

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Conclusion: Choose Wisely

Will you walk in wisdom or follow the world?
Will you be like David, repenting—or like Saul, hardening?
Today is the day of salvation!

Isaiah 55:6
Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near.

Call to Salvation

Romans 10:9–10
If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus... thou shalt be saved.

Call to Repentance

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins...

Call to Service

If you are faithful, stand firm. Walk in wisdom. Number your days.

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