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What does the Bible say about using your time wisely?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that our time is a gift from God to be used thoughtfully, faithfully, and for his glory rather than wasted in sin or spiritual carelessness. Ephesians 5:15-16 and Colossians 4:5 call believers to walk wisely and make the best use of every opportunity. Psalm 90:12 asks God to teach us to number our days, producing hearts marked by true wisdom and dependence on him. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 reminds us that God appoints seasons and times, while James 4:14 humbles us by showing how brief and uncertain life is. We use time well by offering ourselves to God in loving obedience, serving others, pursuing holiness, and completing the work he gives us, as Christ did in John 17:4.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Colossians 4:5

    Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.

  • Ephesians 5:16

    redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

  • Psalms 90:12

    So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.

  • Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

    [1] For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: [2] A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck up that which is planted; [3] A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up; [4] A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance; [5] A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones together; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing; [6] A time to seek, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to cast away; [7] A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak; [8] A time to love, And a time to hate; A time for war, And a time for peace.

  • James 4:14

    Whereas you don't know what your life will be like tomorrow. For what is your life? For you are a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away.

  • John 17:4

    I glorified you on the earth. I have accomplished the work which you have given me to do.

  • Ephesians 5:15

    Therefore watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise;

  • Romans 13:11

    Do this, knowing the time, that it is already time for you to awaken out of sleep, for salvation is now nearer to us than when we first believed.

  • Romans 12:1-21

    [1] Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. [2] Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God. [3] For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think reasonably, as God has apportioned to each person a measure of faith. [4] For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members don't have the same function, [5] so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. [6] Having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, if prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith; [7] or service, let us give ourselves to service; or he who teaches, to his teaching; [8] or he who exhorts, to his exhorting: he who gives, let him do it with liberality; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. [9] Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good. [10] In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor preferring one another; [11] not lagging in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; [12] rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer; [13] contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality. [14] Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don't curse. [15] Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep. [16] Be of the same mind one toward another. Don't set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don't be wise in your own conceits. [17] Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. [18] If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. [19] Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord." [20] Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head." [21] Don't be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

  • Psalms 31:15

    My times are in your hand. Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.

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