Time is a precious gift from God, and how we use it reflects our faith and priorities. The Bible speaks often about the importance of time and how we should manage it. Below are Bible verses that reflect on time, the proper use of it, and the eternal perspective we are called to have as Christians. Each verse is followed by powerful quotes from preachers that offer insight into its meaning and application in our lives.
Bible Verses About Time
Ecclesiastes 3:1 – A Time for Everything
“To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven,” – Ecclesiastes 3:1
Popular Quotes:
“The beauty of life is that we don’t have to understand the seasons. We simply trust in God’s timing.” – Joyce Meyer
“God is never early, never late. He is always right on time.” – Tony Evans
Psalm 90:12 – Teach Us to Number Our Days
“So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12
Popular Quotes:
“Time is a gift, and how we use it is a reflection of how we honor God.” – John Piper
“Your time is precious. Invest it in what matters most: knowing Christ and making Him known.” – Rick Warren
James 4:14 – Life is a Vapor
“Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” – James 4:14
Popular Quotes:
“Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend.” – Theophrastus
“Life is short. Live it in a way that honors the God who gave it to you.” – Billy Graham
Psalm 31:15 – My Times Are in Your Hands
“My times are in Your hand; Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, And from those who persecute me.” – Psalm 31:15
Popular Quotes:
“When you put your trust in God’s hands, He will handle your time, your future, and your eternity.” – Charles Stanley
“God has a plan for your life and a purpose for your time. Trust Him with every moment.” – Steven Furtick
Romans 13:11 – Knowing the Time
“And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.” – Romans 13:11
Popular Quotes:
“The time to live for Christ is always now.” – David Wilkerson
“Do not waste your life. It is a gift from God. Use it to bring glory to Him.” – Francis Chan
Matthew 6:34 – Do Not Worry About Tomorrow
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” – Matthew 6:34
Popular Quotes:
“Trust God with your tomorrow and live in His peace today.” – Max Lucado
“Worrying about the future robs you of the present peace God wants to give you.” – Joel Osteen
Colossians 4:5 – Redeeming the Time
“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.” – Colossians 4:5
Popular Quotes:
“Time is a resource that once spent, is never regained. Use it wisely for the Kingdom.” – Andy Stanley
“Make the most of every opportunity to reflect Christ’s love in your actions.” – Rick Warren
Proverbs 16:9 – The Heart of Man Plans His Way
“A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.” – Proverbs 16:9
Popular Quotes:
“Your plans may change, but God’s purpose for your life never will.” – Tony Evans
“When you submit your plans to God, He directs your path toward His best.” – Priscilla Shirer
Ephesians 5:15-16 – Making the Most of Every Opportunity
“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” – Ephesians 5:15-16
Popular Quotes:
“Make every moment count. Every second of your life is precious to God.” – Joyce Meyer
“Time is a limited resource. Use it for eternal purposes.” – Billy Graham
2 Peter 3:8 – A Day is Like a Thousand Years
“But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” – 2 Peter 3:8
Popular Quotes:
“God’s sense of time is different from ours. Trust that His timing is perfect.” – John Piper
“God is not bound by time. He is timeless, and so are His promises.” – Charles Stanley
Hebrews 13:8 – Jesus Christ is the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” – Hebrews 13:8
Popular Quotes:
“In a world that is always changing, Jesus remains constant and faithful.” – Max Lucado
“Time may pass, but the love of Christ for you is unwavering.” – Rick Warren
Isaiah 55:6 – Seek the Lord While He May Be Found
“Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near.” – Isaiah 55:6
Popular Quotes:
“The best time to seek God is now, while He is near and ready to respond.” – Tony Evans
“God is always ready to meet you where you are. Seek Him today.” – Priscilla Shirer
Luke 12:40 – Be Ready for the Lord’s Return
“Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” – Luke 12:40
Popular Quotes:
“Live every day as if Jesus is coming back today.” – Billy Graham
“Readiness for the Lord’s return is the mark of a faithful disciple.” – John Piper
Matthew 25:13 – Watch Therefore
“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.” – Matthew 25:13
Popular Quotes:
“Be vigilant in your faith, for we do not know the hour of His return.” – Rick Warren
“Live with an eternal perspective, always ready for the Lord’s return.” – Charles Stanley
1 Thessalonians 5:1-2 – The Day of the Lord Will Come
“But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2
Popular Quotes:
“The coming of the Lord is certain, so be prepared at all times.” – Tony Evans
“God’s timing for His return is not up to us. Our responsibility is to be ready.” – John Piper
Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Popular Quotes:
“Trusting God with your time means surrendering your plans to His perfect will.” – Charles Stanley
“When you trust God’s timing, He directs your path in the best way.” – Joyce Meyer
Luke 4:18 – The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed.” – Luke 4:18
Popular Quotes:
“Every moment of your life is an opportunity to make a difference for Christ.” – Rick Warren
“Christ’s mission is our mission, and it must occupy our time and hearts.” – Billy Graham
Matthew 7:7 – Ask, Seek, Knock
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7
Popular Quotes:
“God has a perfect plan for your life. Seek His guidance for every step you take.” – Priscilla Shirer
“Don’t just wait for things to happen—ask, seek, and knock for the blessings of God.” – Steven Furtick
Isaiah 40:31 – Wait on the Lord
“But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
Popular Quotes:
“Waiting on the Lord is never wasted time. It is the key to strength and endurance.” – Max Lucado
“God’s timing is always perfect. Trust Him even when the wait feels long.” – Tony Evans
Psalm 27:14 – Wait for the Lord
“Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” – Psalm 27:14
Popular Quotes:
“God doesn’t waste time, and neither should you. Wait on Him and see the fruit of patience.” – Rick Warren
“Waiting on God is not passive; it’s an active trust in His promises.” – Joyce Meyer
Romans 12:2 – Transforming Your Mind
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” – Romans 12:2
Popular Quotes:
“Time spent transforming your mind to God’s truth is never wasted.” – John Piper
“God wants to shape your future, but it begins with how you think today.” – Rick Warren
John 9:4 – Work While It Is Day
“I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.” – John 9:4
Popular Quotes:
“Time to serve is limited. Don’t waste the daylight God has given you.” – Billy Graham
“Christ has a work for you to do today. Don’t wait for tomorrow to serve Him.” – Steven Furtick
Hebrews 4:9-10 – Rest in Christ
“There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.” – Hebrews 4:9-10
Popular Quotes:
“True rest comes when you trust God with your time and efforts.” – Max Lucado
“God’s rest is a spiritual rest, not a physical one. You can find peace in Him today.” – Charles Stanley
Psalm 118:24 – Rejoice in the Day
“This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24
Popular Quotes:
“Today is a gift from God, a chance to worship and serve Him with joy.” – Joyce Meyer
“Rejoice in today, for it is a precious opportunity to honor God with your life.” – Rick Warren
Matthew 25:1-13 – The Parable of the Ten Virgins
“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.” – Matthew 25:1-13
Popular Quotes:
“Prepare today for what you do not know will come tomorrow.” – John Piper
“Your time and your readiness matter. Be vigilant for Christ’s return.” – Billy Graham
Luke 10:38-42 – Mary and Martha
“But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:42
Popular Quotes:
“Time spent in the presence of Jesus is the most valuable time you can have.” – Priscilla Shirer
“Don’t let the busyness of life rob you of time spent with Jesus.” – Joyce Meyer
1 Peter 4:7 – The End of All Things Is Near
“But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.” – 1 Peter 4:7
Popular Quotes:
“The urgency of time calls for urgent prayers and a focused life.” – John Piper
“Live with an eternal perspective, for the end is nearer than we think.” – Tony Evans
Revelation 1:3 – Blessed Are Those Who Read the Prophecies
“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.” – Revelation 1:3
Popular Quotes:
“Studying God’s word gives us wisdom and perspective on how to live our time well.” – Rick Warren
“The time is near. Live today as if Christ could return at any moment.” – Billy Graham
Proverbs 15:23 – A Word in Season
“A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is!” – Proverbs 15:23
Popular Quotes:
“Words can change the course of a day. Use them wisely and with timing.” – Joyce Meyer
“Speak the right words at the right time, and watch how God uses them.” – Steven Furtick
Romans 8:28 – All Things Work Together
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28
Popular Quotes:
“Trust that every moment, good or bad, is being woven into God’s greater purpose for your life.” – John Piper
“God works in time, through time, for His eternal purposes. Trust Him.” – Tony Evans
Matthew 5:14-16 – Let Your Light Shine
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14-16
Popular Quotes:
“Let your life be a reflection of God’s glory in every moment.” – Billy Graham
“Time is a gift to make the world brighter by reflecting God’s love.” – Rick Warren
2 Corinthians 6:2 – Now is the Day of Salvation
“For He says: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.’ Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” – 2 Corinthians 6:2
Popular Quotes:
“Now is the time to turn to Christ and receive the salvation He offers.” – Charles Stanley
“Don’t put off salvation for tomorrow. Today is the day to come to Jesus.” – Joyce Meyer
Galatians 6:9 – Do Not Grow Weary in Doing Good
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” – Galatians 6:9
Popular Quotes:
“God rewards persistence in doing good at the right time.” – Tony Evans
“Don’t grow tired in doing what is right. God’s timing for your reward is perfect.” – Billy Graham
Philippians 4:6-7 – The Peace of God
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
Popular Quotes:
“Don’t worry about time. Let God’s peace guard your heart in every season.” – Rick Warren
“God gives us peace that transcends our understanding of time and circumstances.” – Max Lucado
1 Chronicles 29:15 – Our Days Are Like a Shadow
“For we are aliens and pilgrims before You, As were all our fathers; Our days on earth are as a shadow, And without hope.” – 1 Chronicles 29:15
Popular Quotes:
“Your time on earth is short. Live for eternity, where your true treasure lies.” – Billy Graham
“Though our days are brief, God’s purpose for them is eternal.” – Tony Evans
Matthew 24:36 – No One Knows the Day or Hour
“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” – Matthew 24:36
Popular Quotes:
“The unpredictability of time reminds us to live each day with purpose.” – Rick Warren
“Live with the anticipation that Christ could return at any time.” – Charles Stanley
Luke 19:41-44 – The Time of Your Visitation
“If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.” – Luke 19:41-44
Popular Quotes:
“Don’t miss God’s timing in your life. Today is the day of your visitation.” – Joyce Meyer
“God calls us to recognize His presence and purpose for our time today.” – John Piper
Final Thought
Time is one of the most precious gifts given to us, and the Bible provides profound wisdom on how we should perceive and utilize it. Verses like Ecclesiastes 3:1 remind us that “there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens,” urging us to embrace the rhythm of life with patience and trust. Similarly, Ephesians 5:15-16 challenges us to “make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil,” encouraging intentionality and wisdom in how we steward our moments.
Ultimately, the Bible teaches that time is not only fleeting but sacred. It calls us to align our priorities with God’s purpose, treasure meaningful relationships, and focus on eternal values. Let us reflect on how we can honor God by making our days count, knowing that every moment is an opportunity to live with faith, purpose, and gratitude.