diff --git a/src/commands/mod.rs b/src/commands/mod.rs
index 7a4a3512..21a99f37 100644
--- a/src/commands/mod.rs
+++ b/src/commands/mod.rs
@@ -642,12 +642,12 @@ pub fn verify(config: Config,
     let helper = VHelper::new(&config, signatures, certs);
     let helper = if let Some(dsig) = detached {
         let mut v = DetachedVerifierBuilder::from_reader(dsig)?
-            .with_policy(&config.policy, None, helper)?;
+            .with_policy(&config.policy, Some(config.time), helper)?;
         v.verify_reader(input)?;
         v.into_helper()
     } else {
         let mut v = VerifierBuilder::from_reader(input)?
-            .with_policy(&config.policy, None, helper)?;
+            .with_policy(&config.policy, Some(config.time), helper)?;
         io::copy(&mut v, output)?;
         v.into_helper()
     };
diff --git a/src/sq_cli/mod.rs b/src/sq_cli/mod.rs
index 16fdd92a..3cf9ef6b 100644
--- a/src/sq_cli/mod.rs
+++ b/src/sq_cli/mod.rs
@@ -133,7 +133,7 @@ Sets the reference time as an ISO 8601 formatted timestamp.  Normally, \
 commands use the current time as the reference time.  This argument allows \
 the user to use a difference reference time.  For instance, when creating a \
 key using \"sq key generate\", the creation time is normally set to the \
-current time, but can be overriden using this option.  Similarly, when \
+current time, but can be overridden using this option.  Similarly, when \
 verifying a message, the message is verified with respect to the current \
 time.  This option allows the user to use a different time.
 
diff --git a/src/sq_cli/verify.rs b/src/sq_cli/verify.rs
index 6756d2f2..49be5164 100644
--- a/src/sq_cli/verify.rs
+++ b/src/sq_cli/verify.rs
@@ -29,6 +29,10 @@ The converse operation is \"sq sign\".
 
 If you are looking for a standalone program to verify detached
 signatures, consider using sequoia-sqv.
+
+\"sq verify\" respects the reference time set by the top-level
+\"--time\" argument.  When set, it verifies the message as of the
+reference time instead of the current time.
 ",
     after_help =
 "EXAMPLES:
@@ -38,6 +42,9 @@ $ sq verify --signer-file juliet.pgp signed-message.pgp
 
 # Verify a detached message
 $ sq verify --signer-file juliet.pgp --detached message.sig message.txt
+
+# Verify a message as of June 9, 2011 at midnight UTC:
+$ sq verify --time 20130721 msg.pgp
 ",
     )]
 pub struct Command {