“So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)

This prayer of Moses requests that God would cause him to know how to give the time of life a proper estimate. In order to increase in wisdom, it is necessary to consider the brevity of life. “It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). One who understands this will choose his actions carefully, and always weigh his options by the word of God. Such a one who has learned to number his days will “gain a heart of wisdom.”

For this reason, “wisdom is with aged men, and with length of days, understanding” (Job 12:12). Those who near their life’s end tend to view life through a different lens. They understand the vanity of matters, just as the Preacher said, “vanity of vanities, all is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). The aged Christian has a fuller understanding of the purpose of life (cf. Ecclesiastes 12:13). He looks back on the years of his life with either contentment, or regret. Either way, there is a richness of wisdom in his heart due to his experiences, whether good or bad. This wisdom can be imparted. The young can learn to number their days by seeking counsel from aged men. All would do well to heed the proverb, “he who walks with wise men will be wise” (Proverbs 13:20).

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