Time is something we can never get back, and it’s valuable, and so many of us are always looking for guidance on how to use it.
Fortunately, the Bible has a collection of verses that touch upon this very subject, providing us with insightful messages about time management.
Today let’s take a look at some select Bible verses about time, emphasizing the importance of “making every moment count” no matter what season we may find ourselves in life.
What Does the Bible Say About Time?
The Bible talks quite a bit about time, and it’s clear that God cares deeply about how we use our time. One of the main concepts taught by the Bible is that time is a precious gift from God and should be used with wisdom. Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 says,
“There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven – A time to give birth, and a time to die; A time to plant, and a timed o uproot what is planted.”
The Bible also encourages us to make good use of our limited amount of life on Earth. In Ephesians 5:15-17 Paul writes,
“Look carefully then how you walk! Live intentionally and do not get caught up in foolish activities because it steals away your valuable days.”
We are encouraged throughout Scripture to live each day with purpose instead of wasting valuable moments on trivial matters or just passing the time without considering whether or not those activities build us up spiritually or bring glory and honor before God.
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Bible Verses About Time
Time for Everything
Everything that happens in life has a purpose and a season. It is important to remember that certain actions, events, and emotions occur at specific times for a reason. We are encouraged to be patient and trust in God’s timing rather than trying to rush it along.
As the saying goes, “there is a time for everything” – joy, sorrow, work, rest… Life isn’t always perfect, but we can have faith, knowing it all happens according to plan in its own time.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
Ecclesiastes 3:17
“I said to myself, “God will bring into judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time to judge every deed.””
Ecclesiastes 8:6
“For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a person may be weighed down by misery.”
Ecclesiastes 9:11
“I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.”
James 5:7
“Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.”
God’s Time
God works in His own time and way, using a deep understanding of our needs and circumstances. He is characterized by patience, wisdom, and perfection.
Though we may not always understand or expect it, God’s timing is perfect; when we trust in Him, His plans are always for the best.
We must have faith that God’s time will remain right on schedule despite what may appear to be delays or interruptions from our human point of view.
Psalm 31:15
“My times are in your hands.”
Psalm 90:12
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
Isaiah 55:8-9
““For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Psalm 31:14-15
“But I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands.”
2 Peter 3:8
“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.”
Time to Act
The following group of bible verses about time verses urges us to be proactive and seize the moment. It emphasizes the importance of making wise use of our limited time and encourages us to take action and make meaningful changes in our lives instead of procrastinating.
These verses remind us that we should not waste precious moments on trivialities but rather use them for pursuing God’s will as well as helping others along the way.
Ultimately, these words are a call for living with purposeful intentionality and being mindful about how we spend our time in this world.
Ecclesiastes 3:6
“A time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away.”
Proverbs 6:4
“Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids.”
Ephesians 5:15-16
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
Proverbs 14:23
“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”
James 4:13-14
“Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”
Time for Repentance
“Time for repentance” is a biblical concept that emphasizes the importance of acknowledging one’s sins, understanding their consequences, and acting now to make amends.
This idea appears throughout the Bible as a reminder from God that individuals have limited time to turn away from their wrongdoing and seek forgiveness. The Bible encourages people not only to take stock of what they have done but also to act upon it before time runs out, bearing in mind that God is patient and merciful despite our shortcomings.
To truly repent requires reflection on actions taken in the past, an admission of guilt, sorrow over transgressions committed against God or others, along with taking steps toward reform before it becomes too late.
2 Corinthians 6:2
“For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”
Luke 13:3
“But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”
Acts 17:30
“In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.”
Ezekiel 33:11
“Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, people of Israel?’”
2 Peter 3:9
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
Time of Judgment
On Judgment Day, every individual will have to confront the consequences of their life choices. Every action taken during an individual’s lifetime will come under review and be met with either a just reward or punishment from God himself.
This momentous occasion is immutable and irreversible, for what happens on that day has been predetermined by God since the beginning of time.
Therefore, it is crucial for one to lead an upright life in accordance with divine expectations that they may be found worthy enough before Him on this ultimate judgment day.
Hebrews 9:27
“Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.”
Matthew 25:31-46
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.”
Revelation 20:12
“And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.”
James 5:9
“Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!”
2 Corinthians 5:10
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”
Time to Prepare
The Bible’s “Time to Prepare” theme emphasizes the need for readiness in anticipation of Christ’s return at an unknown hour.
This calls individuals to live deliberately, knowing life is finite and brief while living righteously and piously – with a focus on impending divine judgment and also consecrating their time towards hastening His coming.
Hence, as we await the Almighty’s return, let us not idle away our remaining days but commit ourselves wholly to preparing for this unavoidable reckoning.
Matthew 24:44
“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
Luke 12:40
“You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
1 Corinthians 7:29
“What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep.”
James 4:13-14
“Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”
2 Peter 3:11-12
“Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.”
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Final Thoughts on Bible Verses About Time
The Bible offers many verses that pertain to the concept of time. It teaches that there is an appropriate season for every action, such as a time to be born, a time to die, and a time when it is right to plant and reap.
The Bible also emphasizes being mindful of our limited period of life; we ought always to stay ready for the return of Jesus Christ (the Son of Man). Alongside this message, God’s patience in salvation is highlighted: He desires everyone to repent from their sins so they can escape His impending judgment.
Additionally, we are exhorted by Scripture towards godly living and faithfulness while carefully selecting how we spend our moments here on Earth with an understanding that one day God will judge us all.
This inspires us to use the finite amount of available hours wisely as watchful anticipation builds concerning eternal life.