Plate of Vegetables, Chickpeas and HummusBible World
1:12Daniel 1:12
Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.
Daniel 1:12 is the earnest plea of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah to the officer over them to prove them ten days on plain plant food and water instead of the king's rich food and wine, with their appearance afterward to be compared with those eating the royal portion. The plea grew from settled purpose not to defile themselves, because that food included meats pronounced unclean by the law of Moses and had been consecrated to false gods, and because wine and luxury would excite the mind, confuse judgment and unfit them for God's service. At the end of ten days they appeared fairer, healthier and better nourished than those indulging in the king's dainties, and God honored their obedience with clear minds, sound bodies and wisdom so that the king found them ten times better than all his magicians and astrologers. It is a forcible illustration of true temperance, showing that what is eaten and drunk governs mental, physical and moral power, and that a plain abstemious diet without flesh foods and stimulating drink sustains strength, clears perception and fits for taxing labor and learning. Made in the fear of God at the cost of human displeasure rather than surrendering principle in the smallest particular, their course was recorded to prove what faithful youth may still do when appetite is kept under control and life is made a witness for God.
Request and Setting
The plea belongs to four Hebrew captives in the Babylonian palace court — Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah — who earnestly ask the officer set over them to prove them for ten days. The request is addressed to the prince of the eunuchs and to his attendant Melzar, asking for pulse to eat and water to drink instead of the portion of the king's meat and the wine appointed as their daily allowance. Their countenances afterward are to be compared with the countenances of the youths eating the royal portion, and their further treatment decided by what is seen. At the end of the ten days they appear healthier than those who ate the king's dainties, so pulse and water are continued as their food.
Pulse in the request means plain plant food and simple nourishment, including fruits, grains and vegetables, with water to drink. It stands set against the king's table and cellar: rich food, luxuries, highly flavored meats, flesh food, and stimulating drink and wine. Their example is therefore the original diet of fruits and grains rather than flesh, a simple diet chosen instead of indulging appetite.
The request is made prudently, courteously and respectfully rather than rashly, angrily or defiantly. After considering the dangers and difficulties of the position, and after seeking wisdom from God in prayer, Daniel presents the proposal and relies on God for the result. Ten days is a short time, yet he has faith that even so brief a period will show the effect of abstemiousness and vindicate the course, and the youths willingly risk letting their appearance be compared with those eating the king's portion. The step is taken at risk of the king's displeasure.
The ten-day proving is both a test of loyalty and a test of temperate eating. It examines whether rigid abstinence will leave them weak, to disadvantage, or unhealthy as feared, or whether luxurious food truly makes men healthier and stronger. Their willingness to be judged by physical appearance shows strict adherence to right living and gives an example by which others can be taught.
Reasons for Refusal
The plea grew from a settled purpose not to defile himself, for the portion of the king's meat and wine included swine's flesh and other meats pronounced unclean and forbidden by the law of Moses. Daniel reasoned that to partake would be defilement, and therefore asked to be proved ten days on pulse to eat and water to drink rather than violate conscience. He stands as one who controlled appetite and refused that defilement as a bold representative of pure living.
The king's food and wine had been asked a blessing upon in the name of his gods and set apart as an offering, which consecrated the whole to false gods. Even a pretense of eating would have denied faith, implicated the youth with heathenism and idolatrous worship, and dishonored God and His law. They would not accept what had been dedicated to idols, choosing to carry out truth and exalt God as living God and King above the king of Babylon rather than risk corruption and loss of their safeguard. Association with idolaters would lead astray, so refusal kept them faithful.
Wine was judged a snare because it excites and intoxicates and could become pleasing and even preferred to water. With flesh meats of every kind and luxuries from the king's table it clogs the mind, is difficult of digestion, and is neither healthful nor necessary for physical strength. Eating that food and drinking that wine would confuse the brain and leave them unable to distinguish between right and wrong and between the sacred and the common. Their habits had been temperate in Judean homes without such wine and luxuries, and they knew indulgence in rich food and drink that tempts appetite weakens moral and physical power and leaves irritable tempers and disturbed minds.
They had been taught from childhood that that class of food would not keep mind and body in the best health for doing God's service. They believed it would weaken physical powers, hinder giving glory to God, and unfit the mental machinery to receive the education God had to give. Therefore they conscientiously refused the stimulus of flesh food and wine in obedience to God's will in self-denial, to eat and drink to His glory. That resolve was made with every effort to keep principle when tested, resting on home training received before Babylon.
Their request grew out of childhood training in strict temperance, conformity to nature's laws in all habits, and accountability to God for physical, mental, and moral capabilities held as a gift not to be dwarfed or crippled. Their temperate habits and training in temperance and self-denial had given them healthful blood, a healthy appearance, and freedom from imbecility and weakness. They had learned from childhood that improper food could cloud the mind, so restraint from indulgent food protected their God-given powers and kept them fit for responsibility. They understood the duty to care for the body, deny selfish appetite, and use their powers to honor God.
Outcome of Test
The plea asked for ten days on pulse to eat and water to drink instead of the portion of the king's meat and wine, that the countenances of the four might afterward be compared with those eating the royal portion to decide their course. The ten days were granted despite the officer's fear that such rigid abstinence would make them look worse and bring himself into disfavor with the king for spoiling their appearance. At the end of the ten days they appeared fairer in flesh, healthier and better nourished than the youths who ate the king's dainties, with clear sparkling eyes and ruddy healthful countenances. They were proved far more healthy in appearance than those who indulged on the luxurious table fare, who lost brightness and glow, and pulse and water therefore became their continued food.
The trial showed that temperance did not make them weak or unhealthy, but left them superior to their companions in appearance, physical activity, and mental vigor. They were found fairer in flesh and better in knowledge than the others being tested, vindicating abstinence from spirituous liquors and indulgence of perverted appetite. Because the result proved temperate eating supports health and vigor, the steward allowed the simple diet of pulse and water to be continued throughout their training for service in the kingdom.
What was eaten and drunk influenced the powers of the mind, for the plain diet free from wine and highly flavored meats gave them clear brains and active minds for learning, while power from above worked in harmony with their determined purpose to banish everything defiling. God cooperated by giving knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom, with blessing giving strength and comeliness and intellectual power, erect form, firm step, fair countenance, undimmed senses and untainted breath. Their simple fare kept study free from the oppression caused by luxurious food, prepared the body for taxing labor without sickness, and gave vigor in thinking and working with strength of thought and memory. When tested by the king at the end of three years none were like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, and in all matters of understanding he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers and wise men in all his realm.
The test demonstrated that their chosen diet was wholesome and that they had chosen rightly, providing telling evidence of the value of their wise course. Their willingness to be examined by physical appearance showed strict adherence to right living and right principles and refusal to indulge appetite, giving them an example by which they could teach others. The result led the authorities to regard them more highly than the other students and permitted them to continue their chosen course of healthful living with body and mind trained in proportion to bear test and trial.
Health and Temperance
Daniel's ten-day request for pulse to eat and water to drink instead of the king's meat and wine is the most comprehensive and forcible illustration of true temperance from a Bible standpoint and its attendant blessings. It teaches strict temperance in all things, total abstinence from every injurious or debasing indulgence, and abstaining from spirituous liquors, fermented wine, tobacco, liquor, narcotics, and perverted appetite. Made while gaining an education, the test contrasted a simple abstemious diet with rich food and wine from the king's table and cellar, and its telling result vindicated strict abstinence and demonstrated advantage for physical health and advancement in learning. Their choice left them fairer in flesh and better in knowledge than the others tested, proving what the trial was meant to prove.
What is eaten and drunk influences the powers of the mind, so healthful bodies and clear minds require care in diet. Eating carelessly merely to gratify taste impairs the digestive organs and confuses the brain so neither can do what God intended, while luxuries clog the mind, are difficult of digestion, hinder study, oppress the powers, becloud the brain, pervert temper and spirit, and leave mind and body unfit for hard labor. Even healthful food must be restricted in quantity rather than surfeiting the stomach, for surfeiting oppresses and unfits for service. Every depraved appetite becomes a warring lust and everything conflicting with natural law creates a diseased soul, with dyspeptic stomach, torpid liver and clouded brain, and such enfeebled powers offered to God are unacceptable, since the heart cannot keep consecration while appetites and passions are indulged at the expense of health and life.
Right physical habits promote mental superiority, and intellectual power, physical strength, and longevity depend upon immutable laws with no chance about it, for Heaven will not interfere to preserve men from the consequences of violating nature's laws. Restraint of appetite brings gain in vigor, clearer perception, freedom from ailments, strength of thought and memory, vigor in thinking and working, and fitness for study and for taxing labor without sickness. Students on trial to excel in mental ability and seek knowledge honor and glorify the Lord by caring wisely for their blood-making organs through careful diet. Keeping food under self-control cooperates with God to keep the stomach healthful, keep a healthful current of blood in the veins, and leave mind and body unoppressed.
The diet requested points back to the original diet of fruits and grains rather than flesh, and presents a plain, healthful, abstemious diet without flesh foods, highly flavored meats, great variety, wine, or defiling substances as supporting physical, mental, moral, and spiritual health. Daniel chose it to avoid meat and glorify God, to protect physical, mental, and moral well-being, and to train faculties for service, and the condition of the youth after the trial demonstrated the benefit of that choice. The lesson calls for avoiding harmful things including intoxicating drinks, and for using food in proper amounts and at proper times.
The account stands as a proved sum to be studied and proved again by all who desire right relation to God, giving sermons upon health reform. It proves that health reform does not cause loss of physical strength but sustains it, that no human testimony for the advantages of a meat diet or great variety of food should have weight against this experience, and that those who give up flesh foods, dedicate themselves to God without reserve, and follow His guidance can receive strength, wisdom, clear mind, and sound judgment. Their clear sparkling eyes and ruddy healthful countenances in contrast to youth who ate the king's luxuries became a certificate of physical soundness and moral purity.
Danger comes not from scarcity but from abundance, with constant temptation to excess. The body as God's property must be understood in how food and drink affect it, kept under control by strict control of appetite and passions, disciplined eating, and care of the stomach to preserve physical and mental powers, calm nerves, clear brain, unimpaired judgment, and usefulness. Such self-denial prepares to present the body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. Those in school should be given food that will not cause disturbance in the body but helps subdue the passions, and those who do not know how to provide such food must learn how.
Faithfulness Under Trial
The request was not entered from pride or ambition but in the fear of God at the turning point of life, after weighing the dangers and difficulties of a strange court, even at risk of the king's displeasure, to stay true to the religion of the fathers and to obey divine law both physical and moral. It was joined with earnestness of purpose, diligence and steadfastness, with honor for childhood training and desire to act creditably for a downtrodden people and for the glory of God whose servants they were. That childhood training in strict temperance, conformity to nature's laws in all habits, and accountability to God for physical, mental and moral powers as a gift not to be dwarfed or crippled, exalted the law of God in mind and heart and kept uncorrupted amid courtly grandeur, hypocrisy and paganism.
A vital principle of loyalty to God and the light given was at stake, so there was firm refusal to compromise in the least degree and to let no influence come between them and their Maker. To have complied would have meant surrender of principle, compromise of truth and apostasy from God, and it is better to incur the displeasure of men than to surrender loyalty to God, never sacrificing principle even in the slightest particular. Yielding to appetite would have weakened the sense of right and hatred of wrong, costing physical vigor, clear thought and spiritual power. One departure from principle could have led to further wrong choices, broken connection with Heaven, being overcome by temptation and separation from God, while standing steadfastly for the right because it is right baffles the enemy.
Faithfulness in a little thing gives complexion to the whole life and becomes the foundation for faithfulness in larger responsibilities even unto life itself. It requires not only professing truth but living truth, being faithful in the smallest duties as well as in work requiring the largest sacrifice, with whatever is worth doing worth doing well. That ten-day test of appetite calls for refusing self-will and selfish gratification, refusing to sacrifice conscience to save life, conquering all unlawful appetites and passions, purifying the soul by belief of the truth, and overcoming by the blood of the Lamb and the word of testimony through prayer, praise and truthfulness to principle in small things so work is brought as near as possible to perfection.
Dependence on grace did not take the place of effort, for abilities and opportunities were diligently used and study pursued with close, severe taxation of powers to make the most of study and labor. Destiny depended on will and action through grace, with God strengthening faithful action rather than replacing it. The request for a ten-day trial of pulse and water shows sanctified character triumphing over lusts of the flesh even at great cost, with strict compliance with God's requirements beneficial to health of body and mind. Reaching the highest standard of moral and intellectual attainment requires seeking wisdom and strength from God and observing strict temperance in all habits of life, for the heart cannot keep consecration to God while appetites and passions are indulged at the expense of health and life, leaving enfeebled powers unacceptable as an offering and unable to discharge duties to fellow men and the claims of God.
Self-denial and self-sacrifice here reveal the same principle seen in Christ, in John the Baptist and in the three worthies. Appetites, passions, habits, circumstances and surroundings are to be servants to the God-fearing person, not rulers over him, who is not to be enslaved by any hereditary or cultivated habit or tendency but to rule animal passions rather than live in bondage to habit, and not to be servant of circumstances but to control circumstances by an inwrought principle learned of the greatest Teacher. That principle is to pass like a plowshare through hereditary and cultivated habits and through all surroundings, leaving excuses about will or circumstances valueless, proving whether the kingdom of God is within and working outward reformation by Christ's grace transforming hereditary and cultivated tendencies and making an impression never to be effaced. The ten-day proving exemplifies standing the test in probationary time, with each person responsible for building character that will stand the test of the judgment and deciding eternal destiny, and the recorded life serves as encouragement and pattern of integrity to those facing trial and temptation. Firmness to principle made a representative man worthy of imitation, adapting to court practices where they did not dishonor God while maintaining integrity without compromise for convenience even at risk of life.
Divine Blessing and Witness
God honored the obedient request for ten days on pulse and water by bringing Daniel into favor and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs set over them, so that what conscience required was granted rather than refused. Having reasoned that appetite must be kept under control for the mind to stay clear and keen to comprehend instruction, and having purposed not to defile themselves with the portion of the king's meat and wine, they closed the door to temptation and denied appetite in right relation to God, and He blessed their effort to honor Him with knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom, with understanding, grace and strength. Their faithfulness under difficulty held fast to right home education, and their course revealed heavenly wisdom as superior to the learning of Babylon's highest schools, for when the king examined them he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers in all his realm, standing above the kingdom's wise men. To all who do as these youth did the Lord will manifest Himself, rewarding firmness that will not compromise God's honor for convenience even at risk of life.
Refusing the royal table carried out principles of truth to exalt God as the living God and as King above the king of Babylon. The ten-day test of simple diet instead of rich meat from the royal table and wine from the royal cellar made a visible distinction between the faithful Hebrew youth and those who indulged appetite, proving faithfulness even in little things. By that obedience the mind was kept clear from oppression by luxurious food, the body prepared for study and taxing labor without sickness, appearance made superior, and vigor given in thinking and working with strength of thought and memory. Through this faithfulness God made them known to the great men of Babylon that God reigns over all kingdoms, cooperating with them by His gift of wisdom.
Their loyalty without compromise as His representatives gave Babylon evidence of His supremacy, the holiness of His requirements, and the sure results of obedience. Their conscientious refusal, in self-denial obedience to the light given on health for God's service, won His approval, honored Him by steadfast principle in all habits of life, and made their faces a certificate of physical soundness and moral purity, with clear eyes and ruddy healthful countenances fitted for His service. Their stand at the turning point, letting no influence come between them and their Maker rather than surrender principle and apostatize, led on to later open disregard of the king's requirements even in face of death, and God vindicated His servants and was honored by them. So the knowledge of the true God was spread abroad throughout the length and breadth of Babylon, and the very purpose for which He had permitted their captivity in that heathen land was accomplished, which is the pattern for institutions bearing a holy name to represent God without compromise.
God purifies and uplifts the soul of those who cooperate with Him, making them an honor to Him and a bright and shining light in the court of Babylon, uncorrupted amid grandeur, hypocrisy and paganism. Having decided in wise purpose that they were brought to wicked corrupt Babylon and would not leave religion behind nor spend time in complaint, they determined to be cheerful and faithful in all business, giving most unselfish service as His representatives because His compassion demanded it, preserving true worship and permitting no slur to be cast upon Him. To such cooperation He rejoices to give His Spirit with blessing, wisdom and knowledge, enabling them to reveal Him to the idolatrous nation around them in both prosperity and adversity, helping all who surrender will and act faithfully.
When duty brings His people into trial in the path of duty they can trust Him to protect them, as Daniel in the king's court was protected. Those who instead choose association with the servants of Satan and place themselves under temptation will cease to fear and will fall sooner or later, for familiarity with sin makes it appear less repulsive. Conformity to worldly customs in that way converts the church to the world and never converts the world to Christ.
Daniel as leader bound with his three companions in sacred fellowship kept them from failing by his firm stand for the right and refusal to please and indulge self, so that had he yielded to self-pleasing they might also have failed. Valuing the favor of God above the favor and praise of princes, they could not be tempted to turn aside from integrity, and because of faithful integrity and determination to honor God above every human power He loved them and spread His shield over them and signally honored them before men. Even in the court they were not ashamed to display true colors but confessed faith in the Lord God of heaven, refusing to bow to any earthly mandate detracting from His honor, with strength from heaven to confess allegiance. The golden chain of truth thus binds youth to the throne of God, calling them to unfurl colors before men and angels by choice words, consistent action, propriety and earnest piety, with Christ occupying the throne in the soul temple and all talents laid without reserve at His feet.
To be like Daniel in responsibility is to seek for the power that comes alone from God so as to represent not self with imperfections in selfish and fraudulent practices but the truth in righteousness. It means having not a vestige of pride or self-importance, being weighed with the Spirit of wisdom from God, representing the sacredness of the work, magnifying the truth, and ever presenting before men and angels the holy perfume of the character of Christ, which is the sacred fire of God's own kindling.
Example for Today
The record was kept for the youth of every succeeding age to prove that what has been done may be done again, showing what young men today may become when earnest, whole-souled and true to principle at any cost. They reasoned that to fulfill God's purpose they must keep appetite under control, and then the mind would be clear and keen to comprehend His instruction, closing the door to temptation, denying appetite and standing in right relation to God so that He would manifest Himself. Danger lies not in scarcity but in abundance with constant temptation to excess, so powers unimpaired for God's service require strict temperance in all His bounties and total abstinence from every injurious or debasing indulgence, with right physical habits promoting mental superiority by immutable law and no chance in it, while usefulness depends greatly on personal course though parents stamp character and train.
The first chapter is full of valuable instruction for youth who feel they lack advantages in eating, teaching students on trial for mental ability and knowledge to practice self-denial in eating and drinking because restraint of appetite brings gain. By caring wisely for the blood-making organs through careful diet they honor and glorify the Lord, bringing habits, appetites and passions into conformity with God's requirements to prepare for higher service. Training abilities in close connection with God to reach the highest standard, serving with willing hearts apart from selfish motives and love of amusement, with the religious and spiritual part of education most important and temperance preparing to endure trial, is the pattern set for students established in faith, seeing God behind the teacher and learning by diligent persevering effort.
They stood the test because godly training from childhood to youth had made them acquainted with God, storing the mind with pure, sound, honest principles, engraving truth on the soul and filling memory with precious truths of the Word. That home training in the hills of Judea was their preservation, for truths only dimly comprehended before flashed out in need like concealed treasure and shone like newly discovered jewels revealing all their beauty. Present preparation must form a loving Christlike character that refuses evil and delights in good, willing to sacrifice life itself rather than apostatize and break God's commandments, for tests as severe as those of the captives will come, when all will be required to observe a spurious sabbath instituted by man in place of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and now is the day of preparation and probation.
The example is the pattern for believers entering worldly schools and colleges as students, going with truth wrought into the being, established, rooted and grounded, never sacrificing principle yet respecting all rules and regulations. Living out belief lets the life witness more powerfully than words, makes principles known and arouses inquiry, depending on power seen in the life more than on words spoken. Inquirers are to be answered in simple language with simple Bible doctrines, dropping seeds of truth in minds and hearts that under the Holy Spirit will spring up to bear fruit for God's glory and the saving of souls, keeping living principles including the Sabbath while working for the Master without entering open controversy. This work is safe only for those who have the Spirit of God and are led and taught of Him with decided connection, for those with no connection who place themselves in schools will be led astray instead of correcting error and diffusing light.
In His dealings the Lord was working out lessons of value for those living in the present stage of history, to be diligently studied by young men from the highest standpoint and proclaimed by every gospel minister as thrilling truths for this time. All are to be as light-bearers gathering rays from heaven and shedding them abroad on those around them, as the workers now called for, with strict adherence to principle exerting good influence. Eating and drinking guided by Bible principles to God's glory can exert that good influence, and pure, correct, temperate habits with faithful witness make a character and influence recognized even by unbelievers, with no loss to those who take this self-denying course.
Institutions bearing a holy name are to represent God without compromise of religious principles, standing as faithful witnesses where they live and work and honoring Him in trial, as the captives stood firm among a heathen people and were honored with wisdom and understanding. Managers and men in positions of trust are to be men of business and men of prayer after the pattern of one who stood next to the king in the highest court place with manifold daily responsibilities yet sought God constantly and earnestly for wisdom to do His work acceptably, clinging to Jesus in perpetual presence with self-control, power to prevail with God and full joy. By precept and example they are to train themselves and others for the society of pure and holy intelligences, gathering influences that bring holy angels among the workers, assured that God grants wisdom to those who ask in faith.
Those bearing grave responsibility to safeguard others from accident and harm must keep the mind clear and composed by refusing stimulating narcotics, drink, liquor and tobacco and living on simple plant food and water, preserving the reasoning faculties unclouded. Indulgence beclouds the brain and temporarily takes away reason, and intemperance is the cause of most terrible accidents including shipwreck on the high seas.
Careful treatment of the body preserves strength and clarity of mind, supports readiness for God's service and helps escape the evils that come through lust. Blessings come from conforming life to God's Word through self-denial and obedience to health laws, with the ten-day test demonstrating the wholesomeness of the course and the value of training body and mind in proportion to bear test and trial. Position is gained through self-denial and linkage with God by enduring trial and remaining true to principle, not by forcing one's way, and faithfulness in such tests may accompany elevation to high responsibility, for human effort alone cannot place one there but endurance and unwavering faithfulness prove worthy.
With Joseph, Daniel stands as the pattern for solidity of character for men and youth today to be fitted for usefulness in the earnest work of this age, a youth of firm principle whom God could use and for whom God wrought. True as steel to principle, not failing nor discouraged, full of reverence and zeal for God, full of purpose, industry and toil, though as weak and helpless as any worker now, he put whole dependence in God. His wealth was mind and soul culture, which all may have who make God first and last and best in everything, and the record shows what God expects of children and youth and His willingness to reveal Himself to them.
Faithfulness in a little thing gives complexion to the whole life, for the request and simple diet was not only professing truth but living truth in accordance with temperance, and whatever is worth doing is worth doing well in smallest duties as well as largest sacrifices, bringing encouragement like that given then to all who follow. Serving the Lord with undivided heart under heathen authority means being kind and faithful to earthly authority and complying only where it does not conflict with Christ, letting none interpose between soul and God, praying much for grace amid trials, temptations and opposition, holding firm duty such as the best possible Sabbath observance, and loving the Lord with all heart and soul without swerving. One who stands firmly can make an enduring impression far beyond immediate surroundings, gaining victories over wrong tendencies through Christ's grace and by example leaving a lasting mark on others. So witness is to be in the world but not of it, not hidden away, distinct in dealing, pure, honest, sanctified through truth as sons and daughters of the heavenly King, members of the royal family, faithful, true and upright in small as well as great acts.
God was at work in educating the Hebrew youth just as fully as in preparing a school now, requiring cooperation by continually striking the highest note to glorify Him on earth and in heaven unto the crown of everlasting life. Success in education is not chance or destiny but from God, who read the heart with pleasure in purity of motive and determined purpose to honor Him, for Daniel did not walk in sparks of his own kindling but made the Lord his wisdom, made divine philosophy the foundation, welcomed counsel and submitted to discipline as all students should. Youth in school life are to elevate the soul, pondering the path on holy ground with angels about them, climbing the highest round of the ladder, using philosophy, history, science and literary attainments for God's honor and humanity's good rather than self-glorification, keeping heaven, immortal life and the expectation of Jesus before them and learning from Jesus as teacher every day and hour to perfect intelligent Christian character through grace.
The refusal of rich provisions for pulse and water for ten days is temperance, self-denial and obedience to natural and moral law, preserving physical powers and strengthening mental and spiritual understanding for greater usefulness, with health and unimpaired abilities commended afterward. Firm refusal with integrity and courage shows Christian temperance as a Bible principle, holding purposeful conviction even when standing apart and resisting temptation and corrupting court practices, which God favored with learning and understanding. Clear mind, firm purpose and strength in learning came in large measure from simple diet and a life of prayer, a lesson for the mentally taxed with little exercise to eat sparingly even of plain food. Discarding unprofitable amusements, refusing sinful association, gaining victory over self through watchfulness and prayer keeps the mind clear for knowledge, gains moral power to remain unmoved, and preserves health and strength for service amid heathenism with power to learn and strength to resist temptation.
Daniel 1:12 is the earnest plea of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah to the officer over them to prove them ten days on plain plant food and water instead of the king's rich food and wine, with their appearance afterward to be compared with those eating the royal portion. The plea grew from settled purpose not to defile themselves, because that food included meats pronounced unclean by the law of Moses and had been consecrated to false gods, and because wine and luxury would excite the mind, confuse judgment and unfit them for God's service. At the end of ten days they appeared fairer, healthier and better nourished than those indulging in the king's dainties, and God honored their obedience with clear minds, sound bodies and wisdom so that the king found them ten times better than all his magicians and astrologers. It is a forcible illustration of true temperance, showing that what is eaten and drunk governs mental, physical and moral power, and that a plain abstemious diet without flesh foods and stimulating drink sustains strength, clears perception and fits for taxing labor and learning. Made in the fear of God at the cost of human displeasure rather than surrendering principle in the smallest particular, their course was recorded to prove what faithful youth may still do when appetite is kept under control and life is made a witness for God.
Request and Setting
The plea belongs to four Hebrew captives in the Babylonian palace court — Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah — who earnestly ask the officer set over them to prove them for ten days. The request is addressed to the prince of the eunuchs and to his attendant Melzar, asking for pulse to eat and water to drink instead of the portion of the king's meat and the wine appointed as their daily allowance. Their countenances afterward are to be compared with the countenances of the youths eating the royal portion, and their further treatment decided by what is seen. At the end of the ten days they appear healthier than those who ate the king's dainties, so pulse and water are continued as their food.
Pulse in the request means plain plant food and simple nourishment, including fruits, grains and vegetables, with water to drink. It stands set against the king's table and cellar: rich food, luxuries, highly flavored meats, flesh food, and stimulating drink and wine. Their example is therefore the original diet of fruits and grains rather than flesh, a simple diet chosen instead of indulging appetite.
The request is made prudently, courteously and respectfully rather than rashly, angrily or defiantly. After considering the dangers and difficulties of the position, and after seeking wisdom from God in prayer, Daniel presents the proposal and relies on God for the result. Ten days is a short time, yet he has faith that even so brief a period will show the effect of abstemiousness and vindicate the course, and the youths willingly risk letting their appearance be compared with those eating the king's portion. The step is taken at risk of the king's displeasure.
The ten-day proving is both a test of loyalty and a test of temperate eating. It examines whether rigid abstinence will leave them weak, to disadvantage, or unhealthy as feared, or whether luxurious food truly makes men healthier and stronger. Their willingness to be judged by physical appearance shows strict adherence to right living and gives an example by which others can be taught.
Reasons for Refusal
The plea grew from a settled purpose not to defile himself, for the portion of the king's meat and wine included swine's flesh and other meats pronounced unclean and forbidden by the law of Moses. Daniel reasoned that to partake would be defilement, and therefore asked to be proved ten days on pulse to eat and water to drink rather than violate conscience. He stands as one who controlled appetite and refused that defilement as a bold representative of pure living.
The king's food and wine had been asked a blessing upon in the name of his gods and set apart as an offering, which consecrated the whole to false gods. Even a pretense of eating would have denied faith, implicated the youth with heathenism and idolatrous worship, and dishonored God and His law. They would not accept what had been dedicated to idols, choosing to carry out truth and exalt God as living God and King above the king of Babylon rather than risk corruption and loss of their safeguard. Association with idolaters would lead astray, so refusal kept them faithful.
Wine was judged a snare because it excites and intoxicates and could become pleasing and even preferred to water. With flesh meats of every kind and luxuries from the king's table it clogs the mind, is difficult of digestion, and is neither healthful nor necessary for physical strength. Eating that food and drinking that wine would confuse the brain and leave them unable to distinguish between right and wrong and between the sacred and the common. Their habits had been temperate in Judean homes without such wine and luxuries, and they knew indulgence in rich food and drink that tempts appetite weakens moral and physical power and leaves irritable tempers and disturbed minds.
They had been taught from childhood that that class of food would not keep mind and body in the best health for doing God's service. They believed it would weaken physical powers, hinder giving glory to God, and unfit the mental machinery to receive the education God had to give. Therefore they conscientiously refused the stimulus of flesh food and wine in obedience to God's will in self-denial, to eat and drink to His glory. That resolve was made with every effort to keep principle when tested, resting on home training received before Babylon.
Their request grew out of childhood training in strict temperance, conformity to nature's laws in all habits, and accountability to God for physical, mental, and moral capabilities held as a gift not to be dwarfed or crippled. Their temperate habits and training in temperance and self-denial had given them healthful blood, a healthy appearance, and freedom from imbecility and weakness. They had learned from childhood that improper food could cloud the mind, so restraint from indulgent food protected their God-given powers and kept them fit for responsibility. They understood the duty to care for the body, deny selfish appetite, and use their powers to honor God.
Outcome of Test
The plea asked for ten days on pulse to eat and water to drink instead of the portion of the king's meat and wine, that the countenances of the four might afterward be compared with those eating the royal portion to decide their course. The ten days were granted despite the officer's fear that such rigid abstinence would make them look worse and bring himself into disfavor with the king for spoiling their appearance. At the end of the ten days they appeared fairer in flesh, healthier and better nourished than the youths who ate the king's dainties, with clear sparkling eyes and ruddy healthful countenances. They were proved far more healthy in appearance than those who indulged on the luxurious table fare, who lost brightness and glow, and pulse and water therefore became their continued food.
The trial showed that temperance did not make them weak or unhealthy, but left them superior to their companions in appearance, physical activity, and mental vigor. They were found fairer in flesh and better in knowledge than the others being tested, vindicating abstinence from spirituous liquors and indulgence of perverted appetite. Because the result proved temperate eating supports health and vigor, the steward allowed the simple diet of pulse and water to be continued throughout their training for service in the kingdom.
What was eaten and drunk influenced the powers of the mind, for the plain diet free from wine and highly flavored meats gave them clear brains and active minds for learning, while power from above worked in harmony with their determined purpose to banish everything defiling. God cooperated by giving knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom, with blessing giving strength and comeliness and intellectual power, erect form, firm step, fair countenance, undimmed senses and untainted breath. Their simple fare kept study free from the oppression caused by luxurious food, prepared the body for taxing labor without sickness, and gave vigor in thinking and working with strength of thought and memory. When tested by the king at the end of three years none were like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, and in all matters of understanding he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers and wise men in all his realm.
The test demonstrated that their chosen diet was wholesome and that they had chosen rightly, providing telling evidence of the value of their wise course. Their willingness to be examined by physical appearance showed strict adherence to right living and right principles and refusal to indulge appetite, giving them an example by which they could teach others. The result led the authorities to regard them more highly than the other students and permitted them to continue their chosen course of healthful living with body and mind trained in proportion to bear test and trial.
Health and Temperance
Daniel's ten-day request for pulse to eat and water to drink instead of the king's meat and wine is the most comprehensive and forcible illustration of true temperance from a Bible standpoint and its attendant blessings. It teaches strict temperance in all things, total abstinence from every injurious or debasing indulgence, and abstaining from spirituous liquors, fermented wine, tobacco, liquor, narcotics, and perverted appetite. Made while gaining an education, the test contrasted a simple abstemious diet with rich food and wine from the king's table and cellar, and its telling result vindicated strict abstinence and demonstrated advantage for physical health and advancement in learning. Their choice left them fairer in flesh and better in knowledge than the others tested, proving what the trial was meant to prove.
What is eaten and drunk influences the powers of the mind, so healthful bodies and clear minds require care in diet. Eating carelessly merely to gratify taste impairs the digestive organs and confuses the brain so neither can do what God intended, while luxuries clog the mind, are difficult of digestion, hinder study, oppress the powers, becloud the brain, pervert temper and spirit, and leave mind and body unfit for hard labor. Even healthful food must be restricted in quantity rather than surfeiting the stomach, for surfeiting oppresses and unfits for service. Every depraved appetite becomes a warring lust and everything conflicting with natural law creates a diseased soul, with dyspeptic stomach, torpid liver and clouded brain, and such enfeebled powers offered to God are unacceptable, since the heart cannot keep consecration while appetites and passions are indulged at the expense of health and life.
Right physical habits promote mental superiority, and intellectual power, physical strength, and longevity depend upon immutable laws with no chance about it, for Heaven will not interfere to preserve men from the consequences of violating nature's laws. Restraint of appetite brings gain in vigor, clearer perception, freedom from ailments, strength of thought and memory, vigor in thinking and working, and fitness for study and for taxing labor without sickness. Students on trial to excel in mental ability and seek knowledge honor and glorify the Lord by caring wisely for their blood-making organs through careful diet. Keeping food under self-control cooperates with God to keep the stomach healthful, keep a healthful current of blood in the veins, and leave mind and body unoppressed.
The diet requested points back to the original diet of fruits and grains rather than flesh, and presents a plain, healthful, abstemious diet without flesh foods, highly flavored meats, great variety, wine, or defiling substances as supporting physical, mental, moral, and spiritual health. Daniel chose it to avoid meat and glorify God, to protect physical, mental, and moral well-being, and to train faculties for service, and the condition of the youth after the trial demonstrated the benefit of that choice. The lesson calls for avoiding harmful things including intoxicating drinks, and for using food in proper amounts and at proper times.
The account stands as a proved sum to be studied and proved again by all who desire right relation to God, giving sermons upon health reform. It proves that health reform does not cause loss of physical strength but sustains it, that no human testimony for the advantages of a meat diet or great variety of food should have weight against this experience, and that those who give up flesh foods, dedicate themselves to God without reserve, and follow His guidance can receive strength, wisdom, clear mind, and sound judgment. Their clear sparkling eyes and ruddy healthful countenances in contrast to youth who ate the king's luxuries became a certificate of physical soundness and moral purity.
Danger comes not from scarcity but from abundance, with constant temptation to excess. The body as God's property must be understood in how food and drink affect it, kept under control by strict control of appetite and passions, disciplined eating, and care of the stomach to preserve physical and mental powers, calm nerves, clear brain, unimpaired judgment, and usefulness. Such self-denial prepares to present the body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. Those in school should be given food that will not cause disturbance in the body but helps subdue the passions, and those who do not know how to provide such food must learn how.
Faithfulness Under Trial
The request was not entered from pride or ambition but in the fear of God at the turning point of life, after weighing the dangers and difficulties of a strange court, even at risk of the king's displeasure, to stay true to the religion of the fathers and to obey divine law both physical and moral. It was joined with earnestness of purpose, diligence and steadfastness, with honor for childhood training and desire to act creditably for a downtrodden people and for the glory of God whose servants they were. That childhood training in strict temperance, conformity to nature's laws in all habits, and accountability to God for physical, mental and moral powers as a gift not to be dwarfed or crippled, exalted the law of God in mind and heart and kept uncorrupted amid courtly grandeur, hypocrisy and paganism.
A vital principle of loyalty to God and the light given was at stake, so there was firm refusal to compromise in the least degree and to let no influence come between them and their Maker. To have complied would have meant surrender of principle, compromise of truth and apostasy from God, and it is better to incur the displeasure of men than to surrender loyalty to God, never sacrificing principle even in the slightest particular. Yielding to appetite would have weakened the sense of right and hatred of wrong, costing physical vigor, clear thought and spiritual power. One departure from principle could have led to further wrong choices, broken connection with Heaven, being overcome by temptation and separation from God, while standing steadfastly for the right because it is right baffles the enemy.
Faithfulness in a little thing gives complexion to the whole life and becomes the foundation for faithfulness in larger responsibilities even unto life itself. It requires not only professing truth but living truth, being faithful in the smallest duties as well as in work requiring the largest sacrifice, with whatever is worth doing worth doing well. That ten-day test of appetite calls for refusing self-will and selfish gratification, refusing to sacrifice conscience to save life, conquering all unlawful appetites and passions, purifying the soul by belief of the truth, and overcoming by the blood of the Lamb and the word of testimony through prayer, praise and truthfulness to principle in small things so work is brought as near as possible to perfection.
Dependence on grace did not take the place of effort, for abilities and opportunities were diligently used and study pursued with close, severe taxation of powers to make the most of study and labor. Destiny depended on will and action through grace, with God strengthening faithful action rather than replacing it. The request for a ten-day trial of pulse and water shows sanctified character triumphing over lusts of the flesh even at great cost, with strict compliance with God's requirements beneficial to health of body and mind. Reaching the highest standard of moral and intellectual attainment requires seeking wisdom and strength from God and observing strict temperance in all habits of life, for the heart cannot keep consecration to God while appetites and passions are indulged at the expense of health and life, leaving enfeebled powers unacceptable as an offering and unable to discharge duties to fellow men and the claims of God.
Self-denial and self-sacrifice here reveal the same principle seen in Christ, in John the Baptist and in the three worthies. Appetites, passions, habits, circumstances and surroundings are to be servants to the God-fearing person, not rulers over him, who is not to be enslaved by any hereditary or cultivated habit or tendency but to rule animal passions rather than live in bondage to habit, and not to be servant of circumstances but to control circumstances by an inwrought principle learned of the greatest Teacher. That principle is to pass like a plowshare through hereditary and cultivated habits and through all surroundings, leaving excuses about will or circumstances valueless, proving whether the kingdom of God is within and working outward reformation by Christ's grace transforming hereditary and cultivated tendencies and making an impression never to be effaced. The ten-day proving exemplifies standing the test in probationary time, with each person responsible for building character that will stand the test of the judgment and deciding eternal destiny, and the recorded life serves as encouragement and pattern of integrity to those facing trial and temptation. Firmness to principle made a representative man worthy of imitation, adapting to court practices where they did not dishonor God while maintaining integrity without compromise for convenience even at risk of life.
Divine Blessing and Witness
God honored the obedient request for ten days on pulse and water by bringing Daniel into favor and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs set over them, so that what conscience required was granted rather than refused. Having reasoned that appetite must be kept under control for the mind to stay clear and keen to comprehend instruction, and having purposed not to defile themselves with the portion of the king's meat and wine, they closed the door to temptation and denied appetite in right relation to God, and He blessed their effort to honor Him with knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom, with understanding, grace and strength. Their faithfulness under difficulty held fast to right home education, and their course revealed heavenly wisdom as superior to the learning of Babylon's highest schools, for when the king examined them he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers in all his realm, standing above the kingdom's wise men. To all who do as these youth did the Lord will manifest Himself, rewarding firmness that will not compromise God's honor for convenience even at risk of life.
Refusing the royal table carried out principles of truth to exalt God as the living God and as King above the king of Babylon. The ten-day test of simple diet instead of rich meat from the royal table and wine from the royal cellar made a visible distinction between the faithful Hebrew youth and those who indulged appetite, proving faithfulness even in little things. By that obedience the mind was kept clear from oppression by luxurious food, the body prepared for study and taxing labor without sickness, appearance made superior, and vigor given in thinking and working with strength of thought and memory. Through this faithfulness God made them known to the great men of Babylon that God reigns over all kingdoms, cooperating with them by His gift of wisdom.
Their loyalty without compromise as His representatives gave Babylon evidence of His supremacy, the holiness of His requirements, and the sure results of obedience. Their conscientious refusal, in self-denial obedience to the light given on health for God's service, won His approval, honored Him by steadfast principle in all habits of life, and made their faces a certificate of physical soundness and moral purity, with clear eyes and ruddy healthful countenances fitted for His service. Their stand at the turning point, letting no influence come between them and their Maker rather than surrender principle and apostatize, led on to later open disregard of the king's requirements even in face of death, and God vindicated His servants and was honored by them. So the knowledge of the true God was spread abroad throughout the length and breadth of Babylon, and the very purpose for which He had permitted their captivity in that heathen land was accomplished, which is the pattern for institutions bearing a holy name to represent God without compromise.
God purifies and uplifts the soul of those who cooperate with Him, making them an honor to Him and a bright and shining light in the court of Babylon, uncorrupted amid grandeur, hypocrisy and paganism. Having decided in wise purpose that they were brought to wicked corrupt Babylon and would not leave religion behind nor spend time in complaint, they determined to be cheerful and faithful in all business, giving most unselfish service as His representatives because His compassion demanded it, preserving true worship and permitting no slur to be cast upon Him. To such cooperation He rejoices to give His Spirit with blessing, wisdom and knowledge, enabling them to reveal Him to the idolatrous nation around them in both prosperity and adversity, helping all who surrender will and act faithfully.
When duty brings His people into trial in the path of duty they can trust Him to protect them, as Daniel in the king's court was protected. Those who instead choose association with the servants of Satan and place themselves under temptation will cease to fear and will fall sooner or later, for familiarity with sin makes it appear less repulsive. Conformity to worldly customs in that way converts the church to the world and never converts the world to Christ.
Daniel as leader bound with his three companions in sacred fellowship kept them from failing by his firm stand for the right and refusal to please and indulge self, so that had he yielded to self-pleasing they might also have failed. Valuing the favor of God above the favor and praise of princes, they could not be tempted to turn aside from integrity, and because of faithful integrity and determination to honor God above every human power He loved them and spread His shield over them and signally honored them before men. Even in the court they were not ashamed to display true colors but confessed faith in the Lord God of heaven, refusing to bow to any earthly mandate detracting from His honor, with strength from heaven to confess allegiance. The golden chain of truth thus binds youth to the throne of God, calling them to unfurl colors before men and angels by choice words, consistent action, propriety and earnest piety, with Christ occupying the throne in the soul temple and all talents laid without reserve at His feet.
To be like Daniel in responsibility is to seek for the power that comes alone from God so as to represent not self with imperfections in selfish and fraudulent practices but the truth in righteousness. It means having not a vestige of pride or self-importance, being weighed with the Spirit of wisdom from God, representing the sacredness of the work, magnifying the truth, and ever presenting before men and angels the holy perfume of the character of Christ, which is the sacred fire of God's own kindling.
Example for Today
The record was kept for the youth of every succeeding age to prove that what has been done may be done again, showing what young men today may become when earnest, whole-souled and true to principle at any cost. They reasoned that to fulfill God's purpose they must keep appetite under control, and then the mind would be clear and keen to comprehend His instruction, closing the door to temptation, denying appetite and standing in right relation to God so that He would manifest Himself. Danger lies not in scarcity but in abundance with constant temptation to excess, so powers unimpaired for God's service require strict temperance in all His bounties and total abstinence from every injurious or debasing indulgence, with right physical habits promoting mental superiority by immutable law and no chance in it, while usefulness depends greatly on personal course though parents stamp character and train.
The first chapter is full of valuable instruction for youth who feel they lack advantages in eating, teaching students on trial for mental ability and knowledge to practice self-denial in eating and drinking because restraint of appetite brings gain. By caring wisely for the blood-making organs through careful diet they honor and glorify the Lord, bringing habits, appetites and passions into conformity with God's requirements to prepare for higher service. Training abilities in close connection with God to reach the highest standard, serving with willing hearts apart from selfish motives and love of amusement, with the religious and spiritual part of education most important and temperance preparing to endure trial, is the pattern set for students established in faith, seeing God behind the teacher and learning by diligent persevering effort.
They stood the test because godly training from childhood to youth had made them acquainted with God, storing the mind with pure, sound, honest principles, engraving truth on the soul and filling memory with precious truths of the Word. That home training in the hills of Judea was their preservation, for truths only dimly comprehended before flashed out in need like concealed treasure and shone like newly discovered jewels revealing all their beauty. Present preparation must form a loving Christlike character that refuses evil and delights in good, willing to sacrifice life itself rather than apostatize and break God's commandments, for tests as severe as those of the captives will come, when all will be required to observe a spurious sabbath instituted by man in place of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and now is the day of preparation and probation.
The example is the pattern for believers entering worldly schools and colleges as students, going with truth wrought into the being, established, rooted and grounded, never sacrificing principle yet respecting all rules and regulations. Living out belief lets the life witness more powerfully than words, makes principles known and arouses inquiry, depending on power seen in the life more than on words spoken. Inquirers are to be answered in simple language with simple Bible doctrines, dropping seeds of truth in minds and hearts that under the Holy Spirit will spring up to bear fruit for God's glory and the saving of souls, keeping living principles including the Sabbath while working for the Master without entering open controversy. This work is safe only for those who have the Spirit of God and are led and taught of Him with decided connection, for those with no connection who place themselves in schools will be led astray instead of correcting error and diffusing light.
In His dealings the Lord was working out lessons of value for those living in the present stage of history, to be diligently studied by young men from the highest standpoint and proclaimed by every gospel minister as thrilling truths for this time. All are to be as light-bearers gathering rays from heaven and shedding them abroad on those around them, as the workers now called for, with strict adherence to principle exerting good influence. Eating and drinking guided by Bible principles to God's glory can exert that good influence, and pure, correct, temperate habits with faithful witness make a character and influence recognized even by unbelievers, with no loss to those who take this self-denying course.
Institutions bearing a holy name are to represent God without compromise of religious principles, standing as faithful witnesses where they live and work and honoring Him in trial, as the captives stood firm among a heathen people and were honored with wisdom and understanding. Managers and men in positions of trust are to be men of business and men of prayer after the pattern of one who stood next to the king in the highest court place with manifold daily responsibilities yet sought God constantly and earnestly for wisdom to do His work acceptably, clinging to Jesus in perpetual presence with self-control, power to prevail with God and full joy. By precept and example they are to train themselves and others for the society of pure and holy intelligences, gathering influences that bring holy angels among the workers, assured that God grants wisdom to those who ask in faith.
Those bearing grave responsibility to safeguard others from accident and harm must keep the mind clear and composed by refusing stimulating narcotics, drink, liquor and tobacco and living on simple plant food and water, preserving the reasoning faculties unclouded. Indulgence beclouds the brain and temporarily takes away reason, and intemperance is the cause of most terrible accidents including shipwreck on the high seas.
Careful treatment of the body preserves strength and clarity of mind, supports readiness for God's service and helps escape the evils that come through lust. Blessings come from conforming life to God's Word through self-denial and obedience to health laws, with the ten-day test demonstrating the wholesomeness of the course and the value of training body and mind in proportion to bear test and trial. Position is gained through self-denial and linkage with God by enduring trial and remaining true to principle, not by forcing one's way, and faithfulness in such tests may accompany elevation to high responsibility, for human effort alone cannot place one there but endurance and unwavering faithfulness prove worthy.
With Joseph, Daniel stands as the pattern for solidity of character for men and youth today to be fitted for usefulness in the earnest work of this age, a youth of firm principle whom God could use and for whom God wrought. True as steel to principle, not failing nor discouraged, full of reverence and zeal for God, full of purpose, industry and toil, though as weak and helpless as any worker now, he put whole dependence in God. His wealth was mind and soul culture, which all may have who make God first and last and best in everything, and the record shows what God expects of children and youth and His willingness to reveal Himself to them.
Faithfulness in a little thing gives complexion to the whole life, for the request and simple diet was not only professing truth but living truth in accordance with temperance, and whatever is worth doing is worth doing well in smallest duties as well as largest sacrifices, bringing encouragement like that given then to all who follow. Serving the Lord with undivided heart under heathen authority means being kind and faithful to earthly authority and complying only where it does not conflict with Christ, letting none interpose between soul and God, praying much for grace amid trials, temptations and opposition, holding firm duty such as the best possible Sabbath observance, and loving the Lord with all heart and soul without swerving. One who stands firmly can make an enduring impression far beyond immediate surroundings, gaining victories over wrong tendencies through Christ's grace and by example leaving a lasting mark on others. So witness is to be in the world but not of it, not hidden away, distinct in dealing, pure, honest, sanctified through truth as sons and daughters of the heavenly King, members of the royal family, faithful, true and upright in small as well as great acts.
God was at work in educating the Hebrew youth just as fully as in preparing a school now, requiring cooperation by continually striking the highest note to glorify Him on earth and in heaven unto the crown of everlasting life. Success in education is not chance or destiny but from God, who read the heart with pleasure in purity of motive and determined purpose to honor Him, for Daniel did not walk in sparks of his own kindling but made the Lord his wisdom, made divine philosophy the foundation, welcomed counsel and submitted to discipline as all students should. Youth in school life are to elevate the soul, pondering the path on holy ground with angels about them, climbing the highest round of the ladder, using philosophy, history, science and literary attainments for God's honor and humanity's good rather than self-glorification, keeping heaven, immortal life and the expectation of Jesus before them and learning from Jesus as teacher every day and hour to perfect intelligent Christian character through grace.
The refusal of rich provisions for pulse and water for ten days is temperance, self-denial and obedience to natural and moral law, preserving physical powers and strengthening mental and spiritual understanding for greater usefulness, with health and unimpaired abilities commended afterward. Firm refusal with integrity and courage shows Christian temperance as a Bible principle, holding purposeful conviction even when standing apart and resisting temptation and corrupting court practices, which God favored with learning and understanding. Clear mind, firm purpose and strength in learning came in large measure from simple diet and a life of prayer, a lesson for the mentally taxed with little exercise to eat sparingly even of plain food. Discarding unprofitable amusements, refusing sinful association, gaining victory over self through watchfulness and prayer keeps the mind clear for knowledge, gains moral power to remain unmoved, and preserves health and strength for service amid heathenism with power to learn and strength to resist temptation.