Psalms 90:12 (KJV)

Passage

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Nearby Context

Psalms 90:10 The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.

Psalms 90:11 Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath.

Psalms 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Psalms 90:13 Return, O LORD, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants.

Psalms 90:14 O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "teach", "number", "days", "apply", "hearts", and "wisdom". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "teach" and "number", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The nearby context moves from verse 11's "Who knoweth the power of thine anger..." into verse 13's "Return O LORD how long and let...", so "teach" and "number" belong inside that flow. In Psalms context, the local focus is worship, trust, the LORD's kingship, and covenant mercy.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "teach" and "number" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.