What Does the Bible Say About Time Management?
Here are 12 Bible verses about time management, ordered by how relevant readers found them, with the King James Version and the modern Berean Standard Bible side by side.
- #1Ephesians 5:15-17
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
BSBPay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
- #2Psalms 90:12
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
BSBSo teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom.
- #3Colossians 4:5
Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
BSBAct wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time.
- #4Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
BSBBut seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.
- #5Ecclesiastes 3:8
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
BSBa time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
- #6Luke 14:28
For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
BSBWhich of you, wishing to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost to see if he has the resources to complete it?
- #7Proverbs 16:9
A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.
BSBA man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
- #8James 4:13-17
Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
BSBCome now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.” 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. Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your proud intentions. All such boasting is evil. Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin.
- #9Psalms 39:4-5
Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.
BSB“Show me, O LORD, my end and the measure of my days. Let me know how fleeting my life is. You, indeed, have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing before You. Truly each man at his best exists as but a breath. Selah
- #10John 9:4
I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
BSBWhile it is daytime, we must do the works of Him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work.
- #11Psalms 31:14-15
But I trusted in thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my God. My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.
BSBBut I trust in You, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in Your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.
- #12Ephesians 5:15-16
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
BSBPay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Verse rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY). Scripture: KJV & BSB (public domain).