Time is a precious resource that God has given us, and how we choose to use our time matters. The Bible has a lot of wisdom to offer on the topic of time management and using our time well. Here is an overview of some of the key principles from Scripture on this important subject:
1. Our time belongs to God
The first key principle is that our time ultimately belongs to God, not to us. Psalms 31:15 says “My times are in your hand.” God is sovereign over all time, and we are just stewards who will one day give an account for how we used the time He gave us (Matthew 25:14-30). Since God owns our time, we should seek to use it in line with His priorities and purposes.
2. Time is fleeting
The Bible frequently reminds us that our time on earth is short and fleeting. James 4:14 describes our life as just “a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” Psalms 90:12 exhorts us to “number our days” so we can gain a heart of wisdom. Time is a precious and passing gift not to be wasted. We only have so much time, so we need to make the most of it for God’s glory.
3. Plan and prioritize wisely
Since our time is limited, the Bible teaches we need to carefully plan and prioritize how we use it. The book of Proverbs is filled with wisdom about planning, prioritizing, and diligently working while we have light (Proverbs 6:6-11, 10:5, 13:4, 21:5). Making reasonable plans and intentionally scheduling our time shows good stewardship.
4. Focus on eternal investments
Scripture instructs us to number our days so we can have a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12). A wise use of time focuses not just on the temporal and urgent, but the eternal and important. We are called to store up “treasures in heaven” that will last (Matthew 6:19-20), and to “redeem the time” because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:16). Investing our limited time in things that count for eternity should be a priority.
5. Rest and renewal matter
God also cares about ensuring we get adequate rest and renewal. The creation account models a rhythm of work and rest (Genesis 2:2-3). Jesus set an example by frequently withdrawing to desolate places for prayer (Luke 5:16). We need to balance our seasons of activity with rest, so that we can serve God with fresh strength and not grow weary (Isaiah 40:28-31). Taking a Sabbath is still intended as a gift for our good.
6. Don’t procrastinate or neglect responsibilities
Laziness and procrastination are frowned upon in Scripture as unwise uses of the time God gives us. Ecclesiastes 10:18 warns “through sloth the roof sinks in.” Proverbs puts it bluntly: “A slack hand causes poverty” (Proverbs 10:4). Putting off tasks and responsibilities or letting obligations slide will harm us and others. We should work diligently when needed.
7. Be prompt and keep appointments
Being unnecessarily late shows a lack of respect for others’ time. To make an appointment and not keep it is a form of lying and breaks trust (see Proverbs 25:8). Jesus rebuked the hypocritical leaders of the day with these words: “Woe to you… For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness” (Matthew 23:23). Being prompt and keeping commitments demonstrates godly character.
8. Recognize seasons and rhythm of life
Scripture compares our lives to seasons that come and go. There are differing priorities and activities in each season we go through. We need wisdom to understand our season of life and steward our time accordingly. As Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” Each season requires a fitting approach to our use of time for that period.
9. Practice the art of Godly waiting
Waiting patiently on God is an important spiritual discipline. Waiting demonstrates our trust in God’s sovereignty over time and circumstances. Isaiah 40:31 promises that “they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength.” Learning to wait, rather than rushing ahead impulsively, helps us walk in step with God’s timing.
10. Invest in relationships, not just tasks
Our relationships with God and others should take priority over our to-do lists.Relationships are eternal, but tasks will pass away. Scripture instructs us to “make the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16). Investing in family, friendships, and spiritual fellowship should not get crowded out by lower priorities. Loving God and loving others is life’s greatest priority.
11. Practice redeeming the time
We can “redeem” the time by taking opportunities to do good, bless others, and share the Gospel. Ephesians 5:16 urges us to “make the most of every opportunity.” We can practice redeeming mundane moments through prayer, thankfulness, and seeking to brighten another person’s day. Look for creative ways to invest little snippets of time in God’s Kingdom.
12. Our time on earth is short
The Bible reminds us multiple times that our lives are brief and transient. James 4:14 describes our life as just “a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” Moses prayed to God, “teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). Remembering that our time is limited helps us have an eternal perspective and focus on what matters most.
13. Be content with each season
Contentment allows us to fully experience the season of life we are in rather than always wishing for a different season. As Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” Learning contentment in our current season frees us up to be present and make the most of this phase of life. Comparison is a time-waster.
14. Our days are ordained before one of them comes to be
God is sovereign over all time – past, present and future. Psalm 139:16 declares that “Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.” Knowing God has ordained our days brings freedom from fear about the future. We can trust Him with what is to come.
15. Teach others time management principles
Part of using our time well includes teaching these principles to the next generation. Fathers are instructed, “bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Mothers like Timothy’s mother Lois and grandmother Eunice taught him the Scriptures from childhood (2 Timothy 1:5). We can help others order their lives wisely.
16. Use time-saving technology wisely
Modern technology gives us many options for managing time better through tools like calendars, clocks, reminders, lists, and timers. These can help us plan and utilize time well. However, technology misused can also lead to distraction and waste. Wisdom is needed to steward these tools for right purposes.
17. Practice punctuality and promptness
Being consistently late is unwise, showing disrespect for others’ time. The wise man of Proverbs is prudent in all his affairs, knowing “the price of negligence” (Proverbs 22:3). Jesus corrected the hypocrites who were zealous in small matters but “neglected justice and mercy and faithfulness” (Matthew 23:23). Honor others by being on time.
18. Our days were written before we lived one
God is sovereign over time, and the Bible says He wrote our days in His book before we lived through even one of them (Psalm 139:16). This truth can bring comfort, knowing the brevity of life is not accidental but ordained. We can trust God with our fleeting days and not be anxious about how much time we have left.
19. Make time for rest and renewal
God commanded a Sabbath rest as a gift, not a burden. Getting adequate sleep and setting aside dedicated rest was modeled in creation and by Christ, who often withdrew to desolate places (Mark 1:35). We reflect our Creator best when we balance work with spiritual and physical renewal. Do not feel guilty for needed rest.
20. Seek God first thing every morning
The example of many biblical heroes was to seek God early each morning before life got busy. Abraham (Genesis 19:27), Job (Job 1:5), Jacob (Genesis 28:18) and David (Psalms 5:3) all rose early to meet with God. Jesus also rose before daylight to pray alone (Mark 1:35). Putting God first each morning centers and focuses the day.
21. Ask God for wisdom to live purposefully
Since God created time, He knows best how we should steward it. King Solomon humbly asked God for wisdom to lead well (1 Kings 3:7-9) and God granted his request. James 1:5 assures us God will also give wisdom generously to any who ask Him. Seeking God’s guidance and perspective allows us to make the most of our brief time.
22. Busywork does not equal productivity
Busyness and meaningful productivity are not the same thing. We need to ensure our busyness is focused on eternally valuable priorities, not empty tasks. As Ecclesiastes 1:14 states, “I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.” Filling our schedules just to appear busy is meaningless.
23. Loving others is life’s greatest investment
Investing time in loving relationships is the wisest use of limited time. When asked the greatest commandment, Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God and love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39). Scripture calls this the “more excellent way” (1 Corinthians 12:31). Loving God and people is the only investment with eternal returns.
24. Practice gratitude for each new day
Thankfulness transforms how we experience time. The Bible instructs us to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Each new day is a gift from God, even difficult ones. Begin each morning by thanking God for the privilege of another day to serve and honor Him.
25. Make knowing Christ your highest aim
The apostle Paul declared: “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8). Knowing Jesus through studying His Word, communing with Him in prayer, and fellowshiping with His people should be our top priority. Investing time knowing Christ intimately is the ultimate use of limited time.
In summary, the Bible provides rich perspective and principles for managing our time and using it wisely in light of eternity. May God grant us wisdom to order our days well for His glory each and every moment He gives us!
