Psalms 90:7-12

Psalms 90:7-12

[7] For we are consumed  by thine anger,  and by thy wrath  are we troubled.  [8] Thou hast set  our iniquities  before thee, our secret  sins in the light  of thy countenance.  [9] For all our days  are passed away  in thy wrath:  we spend  our years  as a tale  [10] The days  of our 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.  [11] Who knoweth  the power  of thine anger?  even according to thy fear,  so is thy wrath.  [12] So teach  us to number  our days,  that we may apply  our hearts  unto wisdom. 

What does Psalms 90:7-12 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Humans only live a short time because God judges the sin in their lives (cf. Romans 6:23). God knows even our secret sins. They do not escape Him, and He judges us with physical death for our sins.
Assuming Moses did write this Psalm , it is interesting that he said the normal human life span was70 years. He lived to be120 , Aaron was123when he died, and Joshua died at110. Their long lives testify to God"s faithfulness in providing long lives to the godly, as He promised under the Mosaic Covenant.
Since our lives are comparatively short we should number our days ( Psalm 90:12). Moses meant we should realize how few they are and use our time wisely (cf. Ecclesiastes 12:1-7). Notice how often Moses mentioned "our days" or the equivalent in this psalm ( Psalm 90:4-6; Psalm 90:9-10; Psalm 90:12; Psalm 90:14-15).
"The pivotal point of the text, I suggest, is the goal of a "heart of wisdom" ( Psalm 90:12)." [1]
A heart of wisdom refers to discernment of Yahweh"s purposes.