For many years, I have used a calendar system to plan my daily schedule, track appointments, and focus on work assignments. Time is a crucial part of human life on Earth. We cannot deny or avoid its existence.
Do you have an alarm clock next to your bed? Do you wear a wristwatch or rely on your cell phone to tell the time? Some people are so familiar with the sun’s pattern that they can tell the time by its position in the sky.
For everything there is a season,
and a time for every matter under heaven.
- Ecclesiastes 3:1
In God’s master plan, He created time, seasons, the rotation of the sun, the moon, and the stars. The lives of every human depend on a sovereign God. Every activity, event, and thing falls into God’s timing, purpose, and perfect will.
In Ecclesiastes 3:2-8, fourteen couplets illustrate the full spectrum of life’s seasons, all under God’s sovereign rule. Life encompasses many different experiences. Instead of losing hope, we should trust God more completely and accept each season as a good gift.
A time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted
- Ecclesiastes 3:2
The first couplet symbolizes the beginning and end of human life, emphasizing its fleeting, natural cycle. The next one reflects agricultural patterns—both new beginnings and essential endings.
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up
- Ecclesiastes 3:3
This pair illustrates moments of justice or necessary destruction, and times of restoration and mercy. There are occasions when life calls for rebuilding—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance
- Ecclesiastes 3:4
Life includes the full spectrum of human emotions—allow yourself to cry and laugh genuinely. Grief is an essential part of life, but we should also find time to dance. Tears, laughter, sorrow, and moments of joy all support our well-being—nourishing our body, soul, and mind.
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing
- Ecclesiastes 3:5
The farmer works hard to clear stones from his fields before planting seeds, and sometimes we gather stones in preparation for a building project. In our relationships, there are times to be close, but also times when we keep physical distance—a practice of discipline and self-control.
A time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away
- Ecclesiastes 3:6
These two couplets rely on our wisdom and discernment. There is a balance between pursuing something and recognizing when to surrender it and let it go. Carefully choosing which possessions to keep or discard is important. This also applies to our habits, words, and actions. Am I holding on to something that hinders my growth and development?
A time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak
- Ecclesiastes 3:7
We face times of separation in life, but chances for reconciliation and reconnecting will come. Scripture reminds us that no one can tame the tongue (James 3:8). It takes wisdom to know when to speak and when to stay quiet.
A time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.
- Ecclesiastes 3:8
The last two lines highlight the challenges we face in human relationships. Love reflects God’s image and His design. We struggle with our sinful nature—wanting to control, dominate, and oppress. There is major injustice and plenty of hatred in the world. God’s desire is peace for all mankind.
The Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
- Micah 6:8
Remember that the seasons and times are part of God’s sovereign plan. In every situation, event, concern, or incident in the days ahead, God is worthy of our trust. Ask Him to strengthen your faith for “everything ... and every matter under heaven.”
He has made everything beautiful in its time.
- Ecclesiastes 3:11
Head to Heart
As you read through these Bible verses about time, do specific examples come to mind? Let’s consider each line and add a personal example from your life.
There is a time …
To be born –
To die –
To plant –
To pick what is planted –
To kill –
To heal –
To break down –
To build up –
To cry –
To laugh –
To have sorrow –
To dance –
To throw stones –
To gather stones –
To kiss –
To turn away from kissing –
To try to find –
To lose –
To keep –
To throw away –
To tear apart –
To sew together –
To be quiet –
To speak –
To love –
To hate –
For war –
For peace –
DGTM RESOURCE: Your Personal Decision to Walk with God
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