Time is one of the most valuable gifts God gives us. We can't make more of it, save it, or get it back once it's gone. The Bible has a lot to say about how we use our time. These verses teach us to be careful with our days and to make choices that matter for eternity.
Time Is a Gift From God
The Bible shows us that our time on earth is limited and precious. God wants us to understand this so we can make good choices about how we spend our days.
"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."
— Psalm 90:12
This prayer asks God to help us remember that our time is limited. When we think about how short life is, it helps us make wiser choices. We start to care more about what really matters instead of wasting time on things that don't.
"Show me, Lord, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure."
— Psalm 39:4-5
David reminds us that life is short—like a breath. This doesn't mean we should be sad or worried. Instead, it should help us focus on what truly matters. When we know our time is limited, we stop wasting it on unimportant things.
Making the Most of Every Opportunity
The Bible tells us to be smart about how we use our time. We should look for chances to do good, learn, grow, and serve God.
"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."
— Ephesians 5:15-16
Paul tells us to pay attention to how we live. We should be wise and look for good opportunities. The phrase "making the most of every opportunity" means we should use our time well. Don't let days slip by without doing something meaningful.
"Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."
— Colossians 4:5-6
Paul repeats the idea of making the most of opportunities. Here, he's talking about how we interact with people who don't know God. Every conversation is a chance to show God's love. Don't waste these moments by being unkind or unhelpful.
What Does "Redeeming the Time" Mean?
In some Bible translations, you'll see the phrase "redeeming the time" instead of "making the most of every opportunity." The word "redeem" means to buy back or rescue something valuable.
When we redeem our time, we're rescuing it from being wasted. We're choosing to use it in ways that matter. Think of it like getting the best deal possible with your time—spending it on things that have real value.
The Danger of Laziness
The book of Proverbs has many warnings about being lazy and wasting time. These verses show us what happens when we don't use our time well.
"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."
— Proverbs 6:6-8
Solomon tells lazy people to watch ants work. Ants don't need a boss to tell them what to do. They work hard when it's time to work. The lesson is simple: don't waste your time being lazy. Work hard and plan ahead, even when no one is watching you.
"A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man."
— Proverbs 6:10-11
This verse warns about wasting time sleeping when we should be working. "A little" sleep leads to "a little" more, and before you know it, you've wasted the whole day. The result is poverty and trouble. This doesn't mean sleep is bad—it means being lazy and putting things off will hurt you in the end.
"The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty."
— Proverbs 21:5
Hard work and good planning lead to success. Rushing through things or being careless with your time leads to failure. This verse teaches us to be thoughtful and steady in how we use our time, not hasty or lazy.
Using Time for What Matters
The Bible encourages us to focus our time on things that have lasting value. This includes our relationship with God, helping others, and growing in faith.
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
— Matthew 6:19-21
Jesus teaches us to focus on things that last forever, not just things we can have right now. When we spend all our time trying to get more stuff, we're wasting it. Instead, use your time on things that matter to God—loving people, serving others, and growing closer to Him.
"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
— 2 Corinthians 4:18
Paul reminds us that the things we can see and touch don't last forever. The things we can't see—like faith, love, and our relationship with God—are eternal. Don't waste your time only caring about temporary things.
Jesus' Example of Using Time Well
Jesus shows us the perfect example of how to use time wisely. Even though He only had three years of ministry, He made every moment count.
"As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work."
— John 9:4
Jesus knew His time was limited. He compared His life to a day—while there's still light, you need to work. "Night" represents the end of our time on earth. This verse reminds us to do God's work while we still can. Don't put it off until tomorrow.
"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."
— Mark 1:35
Jesus was always busy helping people and teaching. But He made time for prayer. He got up early to spend time with God. This shows us what should be most important with our time—our relationship with God comes first.
Practical Ways to Stop Wasting Time
Based on what the Bible teaches, here are some practical ways to use your time better:
- Start your day with God: Like Jesus did, make time for prayer and Bible reading in the morning. This helps you focus on what matters most.
- Set goals: Proverbs teaches us that planning is important. Write down what you want to accomplish and work toward it. Don't just let days pass without purpose.
- Limit distractions: Social media, TV, and video games aren't always bad, but they can steal hours from your day. Be honest about how much time you spend on these things.
- Serve others: Look for ways to help people. Time spent serving others is never wasted.
- Learn and grow: Use time to improve yourself—read books, develop skills, and learn new things. Growth takes time, but it's time well spent.
- Rest properly: Rest is important, but don't confuse rest with laziness. Get enough sleep and take breaks, but don't waste entire days doing nothing.
Time Management Is Stewardship
The Bible teaches that we are stewards—managers—of everything God gives us. This includes our time. One day we'll have to answer to God for how we used our days.
This doesn't mean we can never relax or have fun. God wants us to enjoy life! But it does mean we should think carefully about our choices. Are you using your time in ways that honor God? Are you wasting hours on things that don't really matter?
Remember, every day is a gift. Use it wisely.
Conclusion
The Bible is clear: our time is valuable and limited. God doesn't want us to waste the days He's given us. Instead, He calls us to be wise, to work hard, and to focus on things that have eternal value.
Wasting time isn't just about being lazy. It's also about spending hours on things that don't really matter while ignoring what does. When we focus on God, serve others, and use our talents, we're making the most of every opportunity.
Life is short, but every moment can be meaningful when we live with purpose. Don't let another day slip by without intention. Make your time count for something that matters—today and for eternity.