Never Enough Hours? 25 Bible Verses About Time Management

Time is very important and affects all of us in one way or another. Sometimes we wish we had more time to do things and spend with the ones we love. At other times we get impatient as we wait on the Lord to respond to our prayers or favor us. The Bible has a lot to say about time management, how God views time, and how to value the time we have here on this earth. I pray that as we go through these Bible verses, we will be better able to understand the timeless God we serve.

Bible verses about time for everything

God has appointed special times to: mark the seasons and allow the natural progression of certain activities. Let's take a look at these verses that focus on a time for everything.

1. Ecclesiastes 3:1-7 ESV

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;”

There are many important lessons that we may learn from this scripture. Verse one is a subtle nudge for us to be mindful of our actions because we will one day give account for them. Verse seventeen of this chapter states, "God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time for every matter and for every work".

Weeping and mourning are the inevitable results of death and loss. However, they will not last forever, as Jesus promised (see peace in Jesus in John 16:33). Psalm 30:5 provides witness to the fact that weeping will be replaced with joy. It states, "Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning".

The Lord also made a promise in Jeremiah 31:13 that He will comfort us and give us joy. "I will turn their mourning into joy; I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.”

Verses six and seven remind us that there will be times when we will need to focus on seeking and keeping things that are dear to our hearts. At other times it would be best if we lose or cast away some of these same things. Ecclesiastes chapter three teaches that life is a balancing act with periods of ups and downs.

2. Acts 3:19,20 ESV

“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus,”

This scripture helps us to understand and appreciate the loving and merciful God we serve. When we err, we don't have to remain in that state. The Lord gives us the chance to repent and be saved through Jesus and replace our moments of blunder with 'times of refreshing' (see what "heavy laden" means in Matthew 11:28).

3. Revelation 6:10 ESV

“They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?”

Revelation chapter six speaks about seals and horses and what will happen with each seal. Periods of conquering, war, and death are mentioned in this chapter.

This verse points to the fact that there will come a time when those who persecute the children of God will face judgment and vengeance. Those who were slain for their faith in the Lord will one day have peace when the righteous Judge shall enforce justice at the appointed time.

4. Nehemiah 8:9 ESV

“And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law.”

This verse may provide a contrast between the life of the people during and after captivity. A period of bondage was replaced with freedom. Celebration replaced days and years of exile. Destruction and separation gave way to restoration and unity.

In verse ten Nehemiah reminded the people that the 'holy day' was a time of Joy and not a time for mourning and weeping. "And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10

5. Genesis 8:22 ESV

“While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.”

While Noah was in the ark the time appointed for certain things were suspended. Planting, reaping and other activities did not happen. After the flood God promised that He would not destroy the land or the animals He created with water but will allow the seasons and other activities to progress naturally, the seasons pictured in our landscape Scripture prints.

He gave the rainbow as a mark for us to be reminded of this promise. Genesis 9:13 states, "I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth".

Bible verses about time management

To manage our time wisely we need to make plans and prepare for them. Here are some scripture passages that look at time management.

6. Psalm 90:12 ESV

“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”

This is a beautiful prayer that anyone who wishes to master the art of time management may use. It is wise to ask for God to lead and guide us as we go throughout each day or make plans for the future, and to take each situation to God in prayer.

God will help us to discern between things that are worthwhile or are poor uses of our time. As we align our lives with His plans, we will be better able to understand and fulfill our purpose.

7. Ephesians 5:15-17 ESV

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

It is no coincidence that this verse mentions the use of time, wisdom, and the will of God. God is not satisfied with us simply using our time. He wants us to use it wisely. This means our time should not be spent on merely carrying out random acts throughout the day; starting with prayers for a new week helps.

It should be managed in such a way that we are meaningfully occupied. Having an understanding of the will of God for our lives, our health, and our role in the salvation of others will guide us as we delegate time for ministry, work and rest.

8. Colossians 4:5 ESV

“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.”

This verse also looks at the role each of us has to play in being disciples. We are to make the best use of every moment and every opportunity we get.

When our actions reflect that we are followers of God we are ministering to those outside of the faith (see missions, evangelism and church growth). On the other hand, if we spend our time participating in worldly pleasures, we are wasting opportunities to draw others to Christ.

9. Luke 14:28 ESV

“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?”

Jesus was talking about the cost of discipleship when he stated these words, much like the wise builder in Matthew 7, but they are very helpful in preparing for the future and managing our time. Time management includes, planning, preparing, organizing, and executing an idea in an acceptable way. It's important to plan and assess in order to prepare for each day, task or life goal we have. A lack of planning even as it relates to discipleship may end up being a waste of time.

10. Proverbs 21:5 ESV

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”

We should be diligent and thorough as we make plans. I like the way the NLT version puts this verse. It states, "Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity". Good planning means taking everything into consideration and this includes our time and how we intend to use it.

Acting in haste may mean that we don't spend the time needed to accomplish a task properly. Haste may lead to our detriment when we forget to include important steps.

Bible verses about time and love

Time and love are similar from God's perspective. God is everlasting and timeless and His love for us is everlasting and measureless. Let's take a look at these verses that speak about time and love.

11. Ecclesiastes 3:8 ESV

“a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.”

This verse captures the way the Lord sees us. He loves us with an everlasting love but He hates when we do bad things. The second part of the verse may not mention love or time but is still valid in explaining God's love for us and the passing of time.

Ephesians 6:12 describes the spiritual battle we are living in. This time of war will come to an end and a period of peace will begin when the earth is made new and Jesus returns for those who remain faithful to Him. Let us put on the whole armor of God as we fight the good fight and prepare for that era of peace.

12. Jeremiah 31:3 ESV

“the Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.”

This verse shows that the love God has for the children of Israel is eternal. Verse one of this chapter states, "At that time, declares the Lord, I will be the God of all the clans of Israel, and they shall be my people".

God loves us with an everlasting love (see praying Ephesians 3:14-21). He claims us as His own even when we turn away from Him. He is faithful, merciful, and just and wants only to restore the relationship that we have with Him.

13. Proverbs 17:17 ESV

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

A genuine friend is someone who you can count on in good and bad times. The love that this person has for you will not fade when you have nothing to offer or because you share a different opinion on a particular matter.

The love that a friend has for you will tell how much he or she values the friendship. If you are not able to rely on him or her for love and support it is time to reevaluate the friendship.

14. 1 Peter 4:2 ESV

“so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.”

This verse gives advice on how to live. As followers of Christ, we should focus our love on spiritual matters. Our attention should not be focused on worldly pleasures but spending time with God and doing His will.

15. 2 Peter 3:9 ESV

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

This passage is also a helpful reminder of how God views time. From our human point of view, we consider God's timing as slow. This verse points out that God is not slow but patient, as He allows us time to repent, turn to Him, and escape eternal damnation.

God's love and patience is demonstrated throughout the Bible. He warned and waited on the people of Nineveh because he wanted to save them. Today, He is still waiting for sinners to come to repentance.

Bible verses about time with God

There are many verses that look at how God views time and prophecies concerning time. Let's see what these texts have to say.

16. Psalm 90:2 ESV

“Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.”

This Psalm is an exaltation to the timelessness of our Creator. He existed long before the creation of the world. In fact, God will be around long after this present world is purified by fire.

The verse states that God is from everlasting to everlasting. We also see the timelessness of God revealed in Revelation 22:13 which states, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end".

17. Psalm 90:4 ESV

“For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night.”

When we think about how long Methuselah, Noah and other patriarchs lived we wonder in awe. What does it feel like to live for 969 years? It must have been amazing. Methuselah lived for almost a millennium and yet this was less than a single day for God.

18. 2 Peter 3:8 ESV

“But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”

This verse is a helpful reminder that we should not be hasty when it relates to matters concerning the Lord. Sometimes we get impatient as we wait for Him to: answer our prayers, heal a sickness, or return for His children.

As we learn to wait on Him let us remember that His timing is perfect. In the eyes of Mary and Martha Jesus was four days late but He raised Lazarus from the dead right on time (the raising of Lazarus and John 11:25). Let us claim the promise in Isaiah 40:31 as we allow Him to work in His timing. "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength."

19. Daniel 8:14 ESV

“And he said to me, “For 2,300 evenings and mornings. Then the sanctuary shall be restored to its rightful state.”

The prophecy of the 2,300 evenings and mornings gives a glimpse of how the Lord views time while also displaying His redemptive power. It also speaks about the restoration of the sanctuary.

This text is a direct response to a question asked in the previous verse. "For how long is the vision concerning the regular burnt offering…?" Daniel was told that the interpretation for this prophecy was sealed because "it refers to many days from now".

20. Daniel 7:25 ESV

“He shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and shall think to change the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time.”

This verse reveals three things as it relates to time. Firstly, 'he' will change times and laws. Secondly, it mentions that 'they shall be given into his hand' for a specified period of time.

The third thing revealed in this text is the coding for prophetic timing. Many interpreters read “a time, times, and half a time” as three and a half years: a time as one year, times as two and half a time as half a year. John uses the same phrase in Revelation 12:14.

Bible verses about time passing

The passing of time is not the same for man and God. We should learn to wait with patient endurance while also not taking time for granted. Here are some verses that look at how to be patient while valuing every moment we have.

21. Genesis 18:14 ESV

“Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.”

In this text the LORD, speaking to Abraham about Sarah, was making mention of the period of time it took for a pregnancy to come to term. This scripture also points to the fact that nothing is impossible with God (see what nothing is impossible with God really means). He blessed Abraham and Sarah with a child when it was impossible for them to conceive. God may seem to be taking forever but in the end our season of waiting will be replaced with a season of blessing.

22. 2 Corinthians 6:2 ESV

“For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation”

This verse warns about not responding to the call of salvation while also providing hope for those who claim faith in God. Salvation is a matter that should be treated with great urgency and we should not take it for granted.

Even in great despair we may find hope. Our moment of suffering will not last forever and our prayers for deliverance will not go unheard. The Lord listens to our requests and in the right time He will respond and help us.

Don't give up! With each passing moment our time of salvation and deliverance draws nearer.

23. Proverbs 27:1 ESV

“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”

We may anticipate that our future will bring success and great accomplishment based on projections that we make. However, these are just projections as things may take a turn for the worst.

Life has many uncertainties. The economy, our health, the political climate, and even the spiritual realm may throw surprises at us. One moment Job was wealthy, healthy, and happy and another moment he was ill, lost all his possessions, and in great despair.

With the passing of time our circumstances may change from one extreme to another. Hence this is a lesson for us not to take time for granted and be grateful for every moment we have.

24. James 4:14 ESV

“yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”

This is a powerful reminder not to procrastinate. Sometimes we put off ministry or we delay an act of kindness. We neglect the urges of the Spirit and promise we will give our hearts to God next time, next month or next year not knowing if we will live to see the next day.

Let us be mindful that our time is limited (see these Bible verses about living life to the fullest). We are mortal beings subjected to death. We shouldn't procrastinate as we make decisions but live our lives in readiness for the second coming of Christ.

25. Lamentations 3:25,26 ESV

“The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”

This passage is another reminder that urges us to be patient. As time passes let us wait in quietness for the moment of our salvation.

Joseph was hated by his brothers, sold into slavery, wrongly accused, and imprisoned before his brothers bowed down to him, just as his dream had shown (Genesis 37:9; 42:6). David endured a lot of hardships before he finally became king. Hannah waited for years to have a child before God responded to her quiet supplications and blessed her with a son.

Revelation 14:12 calls us to have faith as we wait. "Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus." We too can quietly wait on the Lord for our salvation. "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Romans 8:18

How Jesus used His time

Jesus had only about three years of public ministry, yet He never seems rushed. He started His days with the Father: “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). When crowds pressed in, He “often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16), and He took His tired disciples away to rest (Mark 6:31).

He also said no. When everyone was looking for Him, He moved on to other towns, “because that is why I have come” (Mark 1:38). Jesus managed His time by knowing His purpose, not by doing everything people asked.

Simple time management tips from Scripture

These habits come straight from the verses above:

• Start the day with God before the to-do list (Mark 1:35; Psalm 90:14).
• Plan ahead and count the cost before you commit (Luke 14:28; Proverbs 21:5).
• Make the most of the opportunities in front of you, not every opportunity there is (Ephesians 5:15-16).
• Do your work wholeheartedly, as for the Lord (Colossians 3:23).
• Keep a day of rest, because God built it into the week (Exodus 20:8-10).
• Hold plans loosely: “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that” (James 4:15).

God’s time and ours

The way we look at time is very different from how the Lord looks at it. Paul says that “when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son” (Galatians 4:4): God’s timing is never early or late, even when it feels slow to us. We are mortal beings whose days are numbered but God is the Alpha and the Omega. We may find it hard to wait on a timeless God but let us remain patient as we allow Him to do things in His timing until He returns for us. I pray we may all remain faithful, “for He that shall come will come, and will not tarry” (Hebrews 10:37).