When we are young, we don’t have much sense of time. We do what we are told when we are told. As we grow and mature, we grasp time and look forward to when we get to spend time on things that are fun or exciting.

As we age, time seems to pass so much quicker. We see kids grow up too fast. We have deadlines, appointments, and obligations that take us away from using time in the way we would prefer.

I think most of us want time for pleasure and rest, yes. But, we also want our time to count for something. We don’t want to get to the end and feel like we squandered this life we have so graciously been given.

As believers, we have to consider how the Lord would have us spend our time. The Bible speaks often about stewarding time well because our days are a gift from God and an opportunity to live for His purposes.

Time Under God’s Control and Wisdom

Ecclesiastes 3:1–8 is one of the clearest passages showing that God sovereignly appoints seasons for every part of life. It teaches that time itself is under God’s control and that wisdom involves recognizing and responding rightly to the season He has given.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.

A time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.“

Life is not random. God ordains different seasons and purposes. This reminds us that our time is ultimately in God’s hands.

The passage lists 14 pairs of contrasting activities (birth/death, weeping/laughing, war/peace).

This shows:

• Life includes both joy and sorrow
• Both building and tearing down
• Both loss and gain

Practical Applications:

1. Accept the season God has given. Not every season is joyful, but each has a purpose.

2. Respond appropriately to the season. There are times to act, times to wait, times to speak, and times to be silent.

3. Trust God with changing seasons. No season lasts forever—God is at work in them all.

Not every season and time of life are what we would desire them to be but if we use each as an opportunity to redeem the time God’s way, they can be a learning lesson and profitable for our sanctification.

10 Bible Verses on Using Our Time Wisely

Here are several key Scriptures organized around themes that are helpful for personal reflection and passing along to our children.

Recognize the Brevity of Life

Wisdom begins when we realize how short life is.

#1-Psalm 90:12: “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”

#2-James 4:14: “What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”

Key idea:

Understanding life’s shortness helps us prioritize what truly matters.

Prioritize God First

Using time wisely means putting God above everything else.

#3-Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

#4-Mark 12:30: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.

Key idea:

Time stewardship is ultimately about kingdom priorities.

Redeem the Time

#5- Ephesians 5:15–16: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”

#6-Colossians 4:5: “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.”

Key idea:
Believers are called to live intentionally, recognizing that time is limited and the world around us is spiritually challenging.

Be Diligent, Not Lazy

The Bible connects wise use of time with diligence.

#7-Proverbs 6:6–8: “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.”

#8-Proverbs 21:5: “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”

Key idea:
Diligence and planning help us use time productively.

Live Purposefully for God

Our time should ultimately serve God’s will.

#9-1 Corinthians 10:31: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

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

Key idea:
Every moment can become worship when lived for God’s glory.

Journal Reflections and Prayer Guide for Using Our Time Wisely

“Lord, teach me to number my days. Help me redeem the time you have given me. Guard me from distraction and laziness, and help me use my life for your glory and the good of others. Amen.”

Prayer Prompts

Praise:
Lord, you are sovereign over all times and seasons.

Confession:
Forgive me for resisting the seasons you have given.

Request:
Give me wisdom to recognize the time and respond rightly.

Yield:
My times are in your hands—help me to honor you with how I use my time and live my life.

Journal Reflection Questions

• Where might I be wasting time instead of redeeming it?

• What would it look like to intentionally use my time for God’s purposes?

• What season of life do I believe God has me in right now?

• How can I better trust God with the time I’ve been given so that I glorify Him?

• Am I misusing my time in any way be not being intentional or lazy?