Note: Read Daniel Chapter 1, along with Proverbs 4: 4-8, and then try to answer this question: Why was Daniel found to be 10 times smarter than those around him? (This includes his three friends).
“And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them 10 times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm”(italics are mine) (Dan. 1:20 KJV).
You remember the story of Daniel, don’t you? In 605 B.C., Babylonian armies under King Nebuchadnezzar invaded the land of Judah, and carried off some of the best and brightest young people.
Included in that deportation was Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah.
“Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skillful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans” (Dan. 1:4). For three years they were to be fed the king’s food and trained in the king’s ways; then they were to stand before King Nebuchadnezzar himself.
The prince of the eunuchs gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, Shadrach; and to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego. The prince hoped by changing their identity it would bring new allegiances from these young men. But it didn’t work! They refused to let go of their true identity.
One key element to Daniel’s success is found in Chapter 1, verse 8; “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself.”
Even though he was in a strange land, living as a slave, Daniel did not allow himself to become ethically and morally unclean. Another key element to Daniel’s success is found in Chapter 1, verse 9; “Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs.”
Because Daniel refused to become defiled, God was honoured. So God poured out grace on his situation. A third key element to Daniel’s success is found in verses 12-15, where he was willing to be put to the test by restricting his diet (fasting) for 10 days. God again is glorified. The successful regime leads to a new diet for the three year training period.
The final element to Daniel’s success is found in verse 17; “As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.”
Proverbs 4:5 says, “Get wisdom, get understanding.”
Proverbs 1:7 says, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” Psalm 111:10 states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments.” James 1:5 states, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God.”
Daniel was considered 10 times wiser because he honored God with his life, choosing to follow the wisdom from above.
Dr. Melvin J. Woodard III is the pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church, 1541 Dr. Andrew J. Brown Ave. He can be reached at (317) 636-6622.
