Daniel and His Friends Refuse the King's FoodBible World
1:14Daniel 1:14
So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.
Melzar, the steward set over them, agreed to prove Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah for ten days on pulse to eat and water to drink instead of the king's meat and wine. His consent followed hesitation, for he feared their abstinence would leave them looking ill-favored and bring him into disfavor with the king. The request had been made earnestly, humbly and courteously after the youths took the matter to God in prayer and sought wisdom from the Lord, without passion, defiance or loud protest. At the end of the ten days their countenances appeared fairer and healthier than those of the youths who ate the king's dainties, vindicating their choice and leading the authorities to regard them more highly. The verse thus affords a forcible illustration of true temperance and its blessings of strength, health and intellectual power, and of how faithfulness in little things gives complexion to the whole life and enables faithfulness in larger trusts.
Granting the Ten-Day Test
The officer in charge — Melzar the steward, the prince of the eunuchs, the keeper — consented to prove Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah for ten days on pulse to eat and water to drink instead of the portion of the king's meat and wine. At the end of that trial their appearance was to be examined against those eating the king's food, to decide whether the abstemious diet had disadvantaged them. The four were Hebrew captives receiving an education for the king's court in Babylon at the beginning of the seventy years' captivity. The proving took place in an ornate palace chamber, where they earnestly entreated the attendant beside his table to test them with other food.
The consent followed hesitation, because the officer feared that such rigid abstinence would make the youths look unfavorable and bring himself into disfavor with the king. He granted Daniel's plea for a ten days' trial on simple fare only after that fear was laid before them. The request itself had been made earnestly, humbly and courteously, the youths first taking the matter to God in earnest prayer and seeking wisdom from the Lord. They asked without passion, defiance, excuse or loud protest, begging not to be compelled to eat food they had been taught would keep mind and body from the best condition for God's service. By true courage joined with Christian courtesy toward elders and youth, and by religion that acted with integrity and dignity among idolaters, they gained confidence and favor with God and men.
Ten days was a very short time for the test, but the youths were willing to take the risk. They were willing to stand for principle whatever the result, honoring God in their firm refusal to compromise. The trial came in the way of duty, where God protects those brought into trial, unlike those who place themselves under temptation and will fall sooner or later. Daniel thus obtained opportunity to trust that God would support the faithful choice. The courteous request being granted, the proposed trial was allowed to proceed and the temperate diet given its chance to be compared with the king's food.
Reasons for Refusing Food
Daniel had purposed in his heart not to defile himself with the portion of the king's meat and wine. That food included swine's flesh and other meats pronounced unclean by the law of Moses, luxuries and intoxicating wine. Food and wine had also been dedicated to idols, so that to eat would dishonor God and implicate them in heathen worship. Their refusal was a deliberate effort to protect physical and mental powers and remain faithful, for even accepting a place at the king's table would have compromised faith.
Appetite had to be kept under control so the mind would be clear and keen to comprehend God's instruction. What is eaten and drunk influences the powers of the mind, so careful diet gives healthful bodies and clear minds. Eating simply to gratify taste impairs the digestive organs and confuses the brain so neither can act fully as intended. Rich diet, flesh meats, wine, luxuries and overeating clog the mind with articles difficult of digestion, and even healthful food must be restricted in quantity lest surfeiting oppress mind and body. They knew the rich diet would confuse the brain and leave them unable to distinguish between right and wrong and between the sacred and the common, and unable to receive and appreciate the education God had to give to make them successful Christian statesmen. Plainness of diet in connection with a life of prayer gave clearness of mind and firmness of purpose and strength of intellect in acquiring knowledge.
A vital religious principle was at stake that would not be compromised in the least degree. To comply would have meant surrender of principle, compromise of truth, and apostasy from God. Holding to principle rather than yielding to appetite protected the sense of right, physical vigor, clear intellect, and spiritual power. Yielding to pressure to eat and drink as the Babylonians did would have weakened the sense of right and wrong, physical vigor, clearness of intellect, and spiritual power, and could have led them further from God. Faithfulness in this first test meant refusing food believed to weaken and dishonor God rather than adjusting principles to fit circumstances. Never for a moment compromising with idolatrous nations, they bore religious conviction as a special honor as worshipers of the God who created the heavens and the earth.
Ability to take that stand came from childhood and home training in strict temperance, pure principles and the laws of health. Eating and drinking were taught to directly affect the physical, mental, and moral nature, with capabilities as a gift from God for which they were accountable and which they must not dwarf or cripple. Training in the hills of Judea in a school of self-denial and temperance formed their minds so God could make right impressions on them in captivity. Truths learned from God's Word, though only dimly understood earlier, became essential in time of need and shone out like newly discovered treasure, and the religious instruction received at home they held fast despite being taken from their homes and placed in a foreign court. Young men and women in this age should be trained in that same school and determine not to indulge extravagance in eating and drinking luxuries that tempt appetite but weaken moral and physical power.
Daniel stood first as leader in sacred fellowship with Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, exerting strong influence over the other three. His firm stand for the right was without pleasing and indulging self. Had he failed and pleased self they also would have failed and would not have been handed down as young men signally honored by the God of heaven. Their intelligence depended on what they ate and drank, and refusing the wine and rich foods appointed by the king kept them in the course they had laid out for themselves as students to stand high in clear intellect and clear presentation of matters that bring a knowledge of God and the truth. Those things God wanted brought before the king and before the young men's associates.
Outcome After Ten Days
At the end of the ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh and far healthier than those of the youths who ate the portion of the king's meat and drank his wine. The comparison was made directly between the four on pulse to eat and water to drink and the others on the royal dainties, and the simple eaters showed clear sparkle of the eye and ruddy health while those on luxuries and wine lost that glow. Their healthier appearance demonstrated the benefit of abstinence from food that harms physical strength or clouds the mind, and vindicated their choice to avoid the king's rich food and wine. Their stand in Babylon showed loyalty to God and right principles while living under idolatrous rule.
The result proved the simple diet wholesome and that they had made no mistake in refusing indulgence of appetite and perverted appetite, including intoxicating drink. The ten-day trial of abstemious diet against the king's meat and variety of food settles the question of diet, so that no human testimony about the advantages of a meat diet or a great variety of food carries weight in light of that history. Its results also led the authorities to regard them more highly than the other students, giving a favorable view of their healthful course. Their experience illustrates the value of treating the body with care and balancing mental and physical exercise, and of strict adherence to right principles with willingness to undergo trial to uphold right living and set an example.
Pulse and water therefore became their continuing food, Melzar continuing to give them pulse instead of the king's food and wine. They were permitted to follow their own course in obtaining their education throughout their training, with freedom to eat and drink as conscience directed. The trial gave Daniel opportunity to trust that God would support their choice to remain faithful, and to demonstrate in practice the result of temperance in physical activity and mental vigor. After ten days the youths who had eaten simply were superior in appearance, physical activity, and mental vigor to those who had eaten the king's dainties.
What is eaten and drunk influences the powers of the mind, so careful diet gives healthful bodies and clear minds while eating simply to gratify taste impairs the digestive organs and confuses the brain so neither can act fully as God intended. Daniel's plan of banishing from the diet everything that would defile, in order to come into right relation to God, worked with power from above in harmony with human effort. The ten-day proof is a sum proved that may be proved again today, showing that health reform does not cause loss of physical strength but sustains strength and gives victory in labor. Their simple diet kept their minds clear, freed them from oppression caused by luxurious food, made them better prepared for study and for taxing labor, kept them from sickness, and gave strength of thought and memory so they could think and work vigorously.
God cooperated with them and blessed their effort to honor Him, giving knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom, with understanding in visions and dreams to Daniel. Their success came not from diet alone but from simple diet joined with fear of God, love of God, earnest prayer, cheerful service, clean conscience, and use of abilities in diligent study. When examined after years of training they were found ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers and wise men in the realm. God designed this test and their connection with the great men of Babylon to show that there is a King above the king of Babylon and that God reigns over all kingdoms.
Health and Temperance Teaching
The ten-day trial on simple fare instead of the king's food and wine affords a comprehensive and forcible illustration of true temperance and its attendant blessings of strength, health, comeliness and intellectual power. It was sought because of a purpose not to defile with meat pronounced unclean by the law of Moses, and it was granted after hesitation for fear rigid abstinence would make the youths look unfavorable. At the end they appeared far healthier than those who ate the king's dainties, so pulse and water became their continuing food. Their self-denial, purpose, diligence and steadfastness show that obedience to God's natural and moral laws brings physical and mental vigor and favor, blessing resolve to honor God by preserving physical powers with increased physical, mental and spiritual understanding for greater usefulness. The chapter is therefore to be read and followed as the example of a bold representative of pure hygiene and of integrity and firmness.
Diet can be tested by trial, for the ten-day proof is a sum proved that may be proved again today. What is eaten and drunk influences the powers of the mind, so careful diet gives healthful bodies and clear minds, while eating simply to gratify taste impairs the digestive organs and confuses the brain so neither can act fully as intended. Daniel's plan banished from the diet everything that would defile in order to come into right relation to God, with power from above working in harmony with human effort, resulting in countenances fairer and flesh fatter than those eating the king's meat, freedom to follow their own course in education, and learning better than that of all the magicians, astrologers and wise men in the realm. Plainness of diet in connection with a life of prayer gave clearness of mind and firmness of purpose and strength of intellect in acquiring knowledge. He governed appetite not by impulse but by sound reasoning, refusing wine and meat and luxuries because the mind must not be clogged by articles difficult of digestion, keeping food under his own control and not surfeiting with overeating or with wine and flesh meats which are not healthful or necessary for physical strength, so that proper regard for eating kept a healthful current of blood in the veins and left mind and body fit for hard labor, unoppressed by variety of flesh meats or meat of any kind. Those who labor must therefore cultivate force of character with keen feeling and quick perception rather than being mere time-servers, be temperate in eating, keep rich and luxurious food from their tables, and when the brain is constantly taxed with lack of physical exercise eat sparingly even of plain food.
Strict compliance with God's requirements benefits health of body and mind, and to reach the highest standard of moral and intellectual attainments it is necessary to seek wisdom and strength from God and observe strict temperance in all habits of life. The consent to prove for ten days gives a lesson for all, especially the young, and an instance of the triumph of principle over temptation to indulge appetite, proving that through religious principle young men may triumph over lusts of the flesh and remain true even at great sacrifice. Preserving correct physical habits by temperance and self-denial elevates the moral standard, and those truly sanctified will present the same example wherever they are. Every depraved appetite becomes a warring lust, and everything conflicting with natural law creates a diseased condition with dyspeptic stomach, torpid liver and clouded brain that perverts temper and spirit and offers enfeebled powers that will not be accepted as a blemished sacrifice. Sanctification in soul, body and spirit requires bringing appetites and habits into conformity to natural and divine law to preserve full vigor of every faculty for service, since indulgence at the expense of health destroys consecration and unfits for duty to fellow men and to God.
The experience teaches health reform and guarding physical, mental and moral health as a people separated from the world, with food choices serving as a lesson in faithfulness to God. The test sets a rule for schools to give students only food that will not cause disturbance in the body, and those who do not know how to provide such food must learn how. A simple diet helps subdue the passions, which must be subdued in fighting for the kingdom and laboring together with God, and perfecting Christian character here by such self-control is required, for without it the courts of heaven are shut and the pleasures of eternal life cannot be enjoyed. It means letting alone the wine that excites and intoxicates, whose evil results are seen on every hand, so that people will not have irritable tempers and disturbed and confused minds. It means refusing tobacco, liquor and stimulating narcotics that becloud the brain and temporarily take away reasoning, so that men with grave responsibilities for safeguarding fellow men from accident and harm stay true to their trust, preventing calamities such as shipwreck upon the high seas.
Self-denial in eating and drinking brings gain, and students who exercise self-control and seek knowledge honor and glorify God. Such self-control is part of presenting the body a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. Refusing to defile appetite preserves the body for God, giving calm nerves, clear brain, unimpaired judgment and clear perception, and keeping every faculty in health for service. Keeping from defilement of appetite and passion makes partakers of the divine nature. Violating the laws of nature and health is violating the law of God, which stands as a wall of protection, while obedience leaves the body undefiled as God's temple and property by creation and redemption.
Choosing food and drink that preserve health and faculties enabled service to God with whole minds and bodies through restraint and strict temperance. Care for the body preserved physical, intellectual and moral powers for service, illustrating practical temperance and denial of selfish appetite. Abstinence made a distinction in appearance from youth who indulged appetite, and faithfulness even in little things left them far ahead, for simple diet kept minds clear, freed them from oppression by luxurious food, made them better prepared for study and taxing labor, kept them from sickness, and gave strength of thought and memory so they could think and work vigorously. They avoided luxuries of the king's table, wine and every stimulating drink, and food connected with idols, in order to preserve health and not enfeeble brain or muscle. They cooperated with God by exerting all their powers while God taught and worked in them, placing themselves under God in perfect training so all faculties might do highest service, seeking knowledge to honor and glorify God, perfecting Christian character and keeping clear intellect, that they might stand as sincere faithful representatives of true religion amid false religions, and restraint in appetite thus preserved vigor and clear perception.
Willingness to follow the test while cooperating with God shows that self-denial and refusal to adopt wrong customs can preserve spirituality and keep the mind clear for understanding Scripture and discerning truth.
Faithfulness and Divine Blessing
The granting of the ten-day proof is an instance of the triumph of religious principle over temptation to indulge appetite, proving that through principle young men may triumph over the lusts of the flesh and remain true to God's requirements even at great sacrifice. Standing for the right as was done in the courts of Babylon overcomes intemperance and baffles the enemy, and those living in this world of temptation and trial must stand steadfastly for the right because it is right. Strict compliance with God's requirements benefits health of body and mind, and to reach the highest standard of moral and intellectual attainments it is necessary to seek wisdom and strength from God and observe strict temperance in all habits of life.
Faithfulness in the little things of the food test gave complexion to the whole life and enabled faithfulness in larger responsibilities, for whatever is worth doing is worth doing well and faithfulness is required in the smallest duties as well as in work requiring the largest sacrifice. The stand on the ten-day trial was the turning point in the Christian life because a vital principle was involved, and there would be no compromise in the least degree, no sacrifice of loyalty to God, and no influence allowed to come between them and their Maker. To comply would have meant surrender of principle, compromise of truth, and apostasy from God, so whatever the consequences and however men might judge, the determination was to be true because God is the great Judge over all. That steadfastness in this small test led later to open disregard of the king's requirements in the very face of death, when God vindicated His servants and through their steadfastness spread the knowledge of the true God throughout Babylon. It is better to incur the displeasure of men than to surrender loyalty to God, and youth today must likewise be true to principle in small things and bring work near perfection, conquering unlawful appetites and passions, purifying the soul by belief of the truth, looking to God for strength and praying in faith, so they will not hesitate when the larger test of sacrifice is presented even though life is involved.
Success came not from diet alone and not from chance or destiny, but from God's blessing joined with diligent effort, for God read the pure motive and determination of purpose to honor Him. The four youths did not treat blessing as a substitute for work but studied diligently, taxed their powers, used their abilities fully, and made the most of opportunities, so that through God's grace their future depended also on their choices and actions. Simple diet joined with fear of God, love of God, cheerful service, a clean conscience and a bright countenance brought God's cooperation, and He rewarded it with knowledge and skill in all learning that later left them ten times ahead of others when examined after years of training. They did not walk in sparks of their own kindling but made the Lord their wisdom, made divine philosophy the foundation of education, welcomed the counsel of the Lord, and submitted to divine discipline, as all students should do.
Their loyalty gave Babylon evidence of God's supremacy, the holiness of His requirements, and the results of obedience. Taken captive at the beginning of the seventy years' captivity in God's providence and wise purpose, they stood true as steel to principle, refused to be corrupted by selfishness, and chose to honor God at the loss of all things rather than compromise with idolaters. They bore their faith and their name as worshipers of the living God as a high honor, carrying out God's purpose to give heathen nations the blessings that come through a knowledge of Jehovah as His representatives, and in both prosperity and adversity they honored God and God honored them. God designed the test and their connection with the great men of Babylon to show that there is a King above the king of Babylon and that God reigns over all kingdoms, and He cooperated with them by giving knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom, with understanding in visions and dreams to Daniel. Their faithfulness did not prevent gaining secular and scientific knowledge, for they studied without being corrupted, and God gave them skill and understanding and upheld and honored them with wisdom, knowledge, and understanding while living among idolaters without compromise.
They valued the favor of God above the favor and praise of princes and refused to bow to any earthly mandate that detracted from the honor of God. Even in the court of the king, in words, habits, and practices, they were not ashamed to display their true colors and confess faith in the Lord God of heaven, bound by the golden chain of truth to the throne of God with strength from heaven to confess allegiance. Because of faithful integrity and determination to honor God above every human power, God loved them, spread His shield over them, and signally honored them before men as Lord God of hosts over heaven and earth. Surrounded with temptations on every hand they walked humbly with God and preserved simplicity of faith, and God set a hedge about them so they were not corrupted, with heavenly intelligences cooperating with them, giving grace to remain faithful as a bright light amid the moral darkness of Babylon's wicked courts. In the surrounding account they remain true to God rather than compromise with Babylonian religious practices, and God upholds and honors them.
Daniel is the pattern for men in responsible positions, seeking power that comes alone from God that he may represent not himself and not imperfections in selfish and fraudulent practices but the truth in righteousness, without pride or self-importance and without considering himself above fellow workers, weighed with the Spirit of wisdom from God, representing the sacredness of the work, magnifying the truth, and ever presenting the holy perfume of the character of Christ. His education in Babylon shows that heavenly wisdom surpasses the learning of Babylon's highest schools, pursued under God's guidance. Though carrying manifold daily responsibilities in the highest position next to the king, he kept self-control through strict temperance in all things joined with constant earnest seeking of God, clung to Jesus, lived in His perpetual presence, and had power to prevail in prayer, showing men in trust must seek God as constantly and earnestly, being not only men of business but men of prayer. As a student in a worldly school he lived out what he believed without sacrificing principle, making no pretensions, respecting rules and regulations, keeping living principles of truth including Sabbath observance, letting the power of God in his life work as leaven without starting open controversies. His principles became known and aroused inquiry, giving opportunity to tell in simple language the simple Bible doctrines, dropping seeds of truth that under the Holy Spirit spring up to bear fruit for the glory of God in the saving of souls.
His ten days of proving pictures probationary time in which each person is responsible for building character that will stand the test of the judgment and decides eternal destiny, with only one opportunity and no second probation to stand the test and proving of God by depending on Christ. He stood firm to principle under trial and became a representative man and pattern of integrity worthy of imitation. His place of trust was gained through self-denial and connection with God, through persevering effort and faithful work rather than ambition or forcing his way into position. When tested by God in unfavorable positions he and his companions humbled themselves, prayed, trusted God, walked in simple faith without self and self-interest, let angels impress their minds, acknowledged God as highest power, and cherished meekness and humility, so their lifework bears the test of the judgment by overcoming by the blood of the Lamb and the word of testimony.
The recorded account serves to encourage those who face trial and temptation. God protects those brought into trial in the way of duty while doing what is right, but those who place themselves under temptation will eventually fall. His grace enables people weakened by sin to resist temptation and stand for what is right even under severe trial. Those who depend on God and cooperate with Him in purity for His glory receive grace to overcome and strength and ability for their work.
Example for Present Life
Daniel and his companions stand as illustrations of what young men today may become, earnest and whole-souled and determined to be true to principle at any cost. Young people can follow their self-denial, purpose, diligence and steadfastness even under difficult circumstances, in dangerous and tempting settings, and youth in the last days facing tests as severe must be willing to sacrifice even life rather than apostatize. Their steadfast course under the test over eating was endured with consistency, and their stand against temptation is an example for youth in every age, showing that by God's favor and grace to resist temptation people today can likewise practice temperance, sustain genuine purity and godly principles, preserve their powers for service, and make their choice a testimony for true temperance.
Their example teaches bringing habits and appetites into line with God's requirements in order to prepare for greater service and remain fit for a life of useful service. Denying appetite and practicing self-denial, abstinence from intoxicating drinks, and care in eating preserves physical strength, health and clear thought, keeps the mind clear and in right relation to God, and helps escape evils connected with lust. Such resolve to follow God's guidance in diet and to conform life to His word brings strength, wisdom, sound judgment and mental and spiritual help.
Workers for God must cultivate force of character with keen feeling and quick perception rather than being mere time-servers. They must be temperate in eating, let rich and luxurious food find no place on their tables, and when the brain is constantly taxed and there is lack of physical exercise eat sparingly even of plain food, since plainness of diet in connection with a life of prayer gives clearness of mind and firmness of purpose and strength of intellect in acquiring knowledge. Gospel ministers must proclaim the thrilling truths appropriate for this time, and all must be as Daniel and his fellows, light-bearers gathering rays of light from heaven and shedding them abroad, because the Lord now calls for workers, and firm adherence to self-denial in the ten-day proving brought no loss.
Their experience is the standard Christian youth can reach in reverence, diligence, purity and efficiency. A life shaped by reverence for God and free from selfish distractions, with love and fear of God leading to diligent use of abilities and refusing to let selfish motives or amusement consume time, shows what devotion and development of abilities can attain. Refusal to yield to appetite helped preserve the clear mind and self-discipline needed to receive God's instruction and become successful in His service, and temperate habits, faithful conduct and a life shaped by God's light can make character evident to others under instruction and testing. Their history teaches youth to form habits of purity, accuracy, integrity and faithfulness through prayer and discipline, since such habits shape later life.
Every institution bearing the Seventh-day Adventist name is to be to the world as they were in Babylon, as Joseph in Egypt was a pattern, honoring God in prosperity and adversity and being honored by Him in return. Adventists are to witness for God by being in the world but not of the world, standing distinct in manner of dealing, showing purity of character and honesty in dealing, so that those connected with them may see that truth conscientiously believed makes them honest, sanctifies them, and makes them sons and daughters of God, children of the heavenly King, faithful, true, honest and upright in small as well as great acts of life. Studying their lives as health reformers and practicing their steadfast principles leads students to well-rounded character and strong influence, for their captivity served God's purpose to bring the blessings of knowing God to a heathen nation and to represent Him without compromise as worshipers of the living God.
Following Daniel means surrendering the will to God, seeking His help, working faithfully and praying much for grace to live true religion. It means complying with human wishes and earthly authority in everything that does not conflict with service to Christ, being kind and faithful while letting no one come between the soul and God, loving the Lord with all heart and soul without swerving, holding firm convictions of duty such as Sabbath observance and keeping it the best possible in every place, and remaining faithful even when meeting opposition and new temptations. Strict adherence to principle tested for ten days shows commitment to God and exerts an influence for good where placed, with God giving wisdom and enabling willing service.
True reform comes by thorough cooperation with Christ through grace ruling in the heart, not by outward restriction of diet or circumstance alone. Making a friend of God and keeping to the path of self-denial resists Satan's desire to turn footsteps aside and warp character, and fighting bravely against his suggestions in God's strength makes one more than conqueror and able to exert an influence for truth with impressions upon other hearts that will never be effaced. Hereditary or cultivated habits and tendencies, animal passions, appetites and passions, circumstances and surroundings are to be servants to the God-fearing man, not rulers over him, to be ruled and controlled by inwrought principle learned from the greatest Teacher, with excuses valueless, passing like a plowshare through all habits and surroundings. Those who use God-given faculties to deny self gain strength of principle, power to stand as faithful sentinels and true reformers, victories over wrong hereditary and learned tendencies, triumph over Satan, victory over appetite, and an influence carried to all parts of the world.
Their course calls for refusing what hinders true character and divine life even when few and pressured by the majority, choosing moral dignity, purity and righteousness, gaining solidity for usefulness and cultivating oneself. Steadfastness to principle under testing made them examples of integrity worthy of imitation, showing moral strength gained by resisting temptation and self-indulgence and wisdom that honors God while remaining faithful to religion and seeking to represent Him well. Perseverance in self-denial and obedience to strict temperance prepared them to endure trial, and like him those ruled by Christ can influence other hearts in lasting ways with an influence reaching throughout the world. Watching, praying and heeding Daniel and Revelation, with self-denial, temperance and persevering study and a plain healthful diet that values the body and guards against harmful habits, prepares to endure trial in the perils of the last days.
Daniel's refusal to defile himself demonstrates resistance to temptation and corrupting practices, and the Lord favored his choice with wisdom and understanding. He and his companions knew the rich diet would confuse the brain and leave them unable to distinguish right from wrong and sacred from common and unable to receive the education God had to give to make them successful Christian statesmen, so keeping the fear of God before them, refusing to indulge appetite, keeping the mental machinery in fit condition, and presenting themselves to God in prayer as needy and dependent brought honor, strength, wisdom and understanding, until at examination they were found ten times better than the magicians and astrologers. Their faithful following of received light through temperance, and their steadfast loyalty in resisting temptation and honoring God in daily life, was rewarded with rich blessings and places youth where God can help them distinguish right from wrong under a power above all human power. Their history is an illustration of what all youth may become in God's service, showing that bringing right eating and right drinking into religion, learned first by home training and then by healthful food bringing health to body and mind, proves strict adherence to right principles is never a loss.
Melzar, the steward set over them, agreed to prove Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah for ten days on pulse to eat and water to drink instead of the king's meat and wine. His consent followed hesitation, for he feared their abstinence would leave them looking ill-favored and bring him into disfavor with the king. The request had been made earnestly, humbly and courteously after the youths took the matter to God in prayer and sought wisdom from the Lord, without passion, defiance or loud protest. At the end of the ten days their countenances appeared fairer and healthier than those of the youths who ate the king's dainties, vindicating their choice and leading the authorities to regard them more highly. The verse thus affords a forcible illustration of true temperance and its blessings of strength, health and intellectual power, and of how faithfulness in little things gives complexion to the whole life and enables faithfulness in larger trusts.
Granting the Ten-Day Test
The officer in charge — Melzar the steward, the prince of the eunuchs, the keeper — consented to prove Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah for ten days on pulse to eat and water to drink instead of the portion of the king's meat and wine. At the end of that trial their appearance was to be examined against those eating the king's food, to decide whether the abstemious diet had disadvantaged them. The four were Hebrew captives receiving an education for the king's court in Babylon at the beginning of the seventy years' captivity. The proving took place in an ornate palace chamber, where they earnestly entreated the attendant beside his table to test them with other food.
The consent followed hesitation, because the officer feared that such rigid abstinence would make the youths look unfavorable and bring himself into disfavor with the king. He granted Daniel's plea for a ten days' trial on simple fare only after that fear was laid before them. The request itself had been made earnestly, humbly and courteously, the youths first taking the matter to God in earnest prayer and seeking wisdom from the Lord. They asked without passion, defiance, excuse or loud protest, begging not to be compelled to eat food they had been taught would keep mind and body from the best condition for God's service. By true courage joined with Christian courtesy toward elders and youth, and by religion that acted with integrity and dignity among idolaters, they gained confidence and favor with God and men.
Ten days was a very short time for the test, but the youths were willing to take the risk. They were willing to stand for principle whatever the result, honoring God in their firm refusal to compromise. The trial came in the way of duty, where God protects those brought into trial, unlike those who place themselves under temptation and will fall sooner or later. Daniel thus obtained opportunity to trust that God would support the faithful choice. The courteous request being granted, the proposed trial was allowed to proceed and the temperate diet given its chance to be compared with the king's food.
Reasons for Refusing Food
Daniel had purposed in his heart not to defile himself with the portion of the king's meat and wine. That food included swine's flesh and other meats pronounced unclean by the law of Moses, luxuries and intoxicating wine. Food and wine had also been dedicated to idols, so that to eat would dishonor God and implicate them in heathen worship. Their refusal was a deliberate effort to protect physical and mental powers and remain faithful, for even accepting a place at the king's table would have compromised faith.
Appetite had to be kept under control so the mind would be clear and keen to comprehend God's instruction. What is eaten and drunk influences the powers of the mind, so careful diet gives healthful bodies and clear minds. Eating simply to gratify taste impairs the digestive organs and confuses the brain so neither can act fully as intended. Rich diet, flesh meats, wine, luxuries and overeating clog the mind with articles difficult of digestion, and even healthful food must be restricted in quantity lest surfeiting oppress mind and body. They knew the rich diet would confuse the brain and leave them unable to distinguish between right and wrong and between the sacred and the common, and unable to receive and appreciate the education God had to give to make them successful Christian statesmen. Plainness of diet in connection with a life of prayer gave clearness of mind and firmness of purpose and strength of intellect in acquiring knowledge.
A vital religious principle was at stake that would not be compromised in the least degree. To comply would have meant surrender of principle, compromise of truth, and apostasy from God. Holding to principle rather than yielding to appetite protected the sense of right, physical vigor, clear intellect, and spiritual power. Yielding to pressure to eat and drink as the Babylonians did would have weakened the sense of right and wrong, physical vigor, clearness of intellect, and spiritual power, and could have led them further from God. Faithfulness in this first test meant refusing food believed to weaken and dishonor God rather than adjusting principles to fit circumstances. Never for a moment compromising with idolatrous nations, they bore religious conviction as a special honor as worshipers of the God who created the heavens and the earth.
Ability to take that stand came from childhood and home training in strict temperance, pure principles and the laws of health. Eating and drinking were taught to directly affect the physical, mental, and moral nature, with capabilities as a gift from God for which they were accountable and which they must not dwarf or cripple. Training in the hills of Judea in a school of self-denial and temperance formed their minds so God could make right impressions on them in captivity. Truths learned from God's Word, though only dimly understood earlier, became essential in time of need and shone out like newly discovered treasure, and the religious instruction received at home they held fast despite being taken from their homes and placed in a foreign court. Young men and women in this age should be trained in that same school and determine not to indulge extravagance in eating and drinking luxuries that tempt appetite but weaken moral and physical power.
Daniel stood first as leader in sacred fellowship with Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, exerting strong influence over the other three. His firm stand for the right was without pleasing and indulging self. Had he failed and pleased self they also would have failed and would not have been handed down as young men signally honored by the God of heaven. Their intelligence depended on what they ate and drank, and refusing the wine and rich foods appointed by the king kept them in the course they had laid out for themselves as students to stand high in clear intellect and clear presentation of matters that bring a knowledge of God and the truth. Those things God wanted brought before the king and before the young men's associates.
Outcome After Ten Days
At the end of the ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh and far healthier than those of the youths who ate the portion of the king's meat and drank his wine. The comparison was made directly between the four on pulse to eat and water to drink and the others on the royal dainties, and the simple eaters showed clear sparkle of the eye and ruddy health while those on luxuries and wine lost that glow. Their healthier appearance demonstrated the benefit of abstinence from food that harms physical strength or clouds the mind, and vindicated their choice to avoid the king's rich food and wine. Their stand in Babylon showed loyalty to God and right principles while living under idolatrous rule.
The result proved the simple diet wholesome and that they had made no mistake in refusing indulgence of appetite and perverted appetite, including intoxicating drink. The ten-day trial of abstemious diet against the king's meat and variety of food settles the question of diet, so that no human testimony about the advantages of a meat diet or a great variety of food carries weight in light of that history. Its results also led the authorities to regard them more highly than the other students, giving a favorable view of their healthful course. Their experience illustrates the value of treating the body with care and balancing mental and physical exercise, and of strict adherence to right principles with willingness to undergo trial to uphold right living and set an example.
Pulse and water therefore became their continuing food, Melzar continuing to give them pulse instead of the king's food and wine. They were permitted to follow their own course in obtaining their education throughout their training, with freedom to eat and drink as conscience directed. The trial gave Daniel opportunity to trust that God would support their choice to remain faithful, and to demonstrate in practice the result of temperance in physical activity and mental vigor. After ten days the youths who had eaten simply were superior in appearance, physical activity, and mental vigor to those who had eaten the king's dainties.
What is eaten and drunk influences the powers of the mind, so careful diet gives healthful bodies and clear minds while eating simply to gratify taste impairs the digestive organs and confuses the brain so neither can act fully as God intended. Daniel's plan of banishing from the diet everything that would defile, in order to come into right relation to God, worked with power from above in harmony with human effort. The ten-day proof is a sum proved that may be proved again today, showing that health reform does not cause loss of physical strength but sustains strength and gives victory in labor. Their simple diet kept their minds clear, freed them from oppression caused by luxurious food, made them better prepared for study and for taxing labor, kept them from sickness, and gave strength of thought and memory so they could think and work vigorously.
God cooperated with them and blessed their effort to honor Him, giving knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom, with understanding in visions and dreams to Daniel. Their success came not from diet alone but from simple diet joined with fear of God, love of God, earnest prayer, cheerful service, clean conscience, and use of abilities in diligent study. When examined after years of training they were found ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers and wise men in the realm. God designed this test and their connection with the great men of Babylon to show that there is a King above the king of Babylon and that God reigns over all kingdoms.
Health and Temperance Teaching
The ten-day trial on simple fare instead of the king's food and wine affords a comprehensive and forcible illustration of true temperance and its attendant blessings of strength, health, comeliness and intellectual power. It was sought because of a purpose not to defile with meat pronounced unclean by the law of Moses, and it was granted after hesitation for fear rigid abstinence would make the youths look unfavorable. At the end they appeared far healthier than those who ate the king's dainties, so pulse and water became their continuing food. Their self-denial, purpose, diligence and steadfastness show that obedience to God's natural and moral laws brings physical and mental vigor and favor, blessing resolve to honor God by preserving physical powers with increased physical, mental and spiritual understanding for greater usefulness. The chapter is therefore to be read and followed as the example of a bold representative of pure hygiene and of integrity and firmness.
Diet can be tested by trial, for the ten-day proof is a sum proved that may be proved again today. What is eaten and drunk influences the powers of the mind, so careful diet gives healthful bodies and clear minds, while eating simply to gratify taste impairs the digestive organs and confuses the brain so neither can act fully as intended. Daniel's plan banished from the diet everything that would defile in order to come into right relation to God, with power from above working in harmony with human effort, resulting in countenances fairer and flesh fatter than those eating the king's meat, freedom to follow their own course in education, and learning better than that of all the magicians, astrologers and wise men in the realm. Plainness of diet in connection with a life of prayer gave clearness of mind and firmness of purpose and strength of intellect in acquiring knowledge. He governed appetite not by impulse but by sound reasoning, refusing wine and meat and luxuries because the mind must not be clogged by articles difficult of digestion, keeping food under his own control and not surfeiting with overeating or with wine and flesh meats which are not healthful or necessary for physical strength, so that proper regard for eating kept a healthful current of blood in the veins and left mind and body fit for hard labor, unoppressed by variety of flesh meats or meat of any kind. Those who labor must therefore cultivate force of character with keen feeling and quick perception rather than being mere time-servers, be temperate in eating, keep rich and luxurious food from their tables, and when the brain is constantly taxed with lack of physical exercise eat sparingly even of plain food.
Strict compliance with God's requirements benefits health of body and mind, and to reach the highest standard of moral and intellectual attainments it is necessary to seek wisdom and strength from God and observe strict temperance in all habits of life. The consent to prove for ten days gives a lesson for all, especially the young, and an instance of the triumph of principle over temptation to indulge appetite, proving that through religious principle young men may triumph over lusts of the flesh and remain true even at great sacrifice. Preserving correct physical habits by temperance and self-denial elevates the moral standard, and those truly sanctified will present the same example wherever they are. Every depraved appetite becomes a warring lust, and everything conflicting with natural law creates a diseased condition with dyspeptic stomach, torpid liver and clouded brain that perverts temper and spirit and offers enfeebled powers that will not be accepted as a blemished sacrifice. Sanctification in soul, body and spirit requires bringing appetites and habits into conformity to natural and divine law to preserve full vigor of every faculty for service, since indulgence at the expense of health destroys consecration and unfits for duty to fellow men and to God.
The experience teaches health reform and guarding physical, mental and moral health as a people separated from the world, with food choices serving as a lesson in faithfulness to God. The test sets a rule for schools to give students only food that will not cause disturbance in the body, and those who do not know how to provide such food must learn how. A simple diet helps subdue the passions, which must be subdued in fighting for the kingdom and laboring together with God, and perfecting Christian character here by such self-control is required, for without it the courts of heaven are shut and the pleasures of eternal life cannot be enjoyed. It means letting alone the wine that excites and intoxicates, whose evil results are seen on every hand, so that people will not have irritable tempers and disturbed and confused minds. It means refusing tobacco, liquor and stimulating narcotics that becloud the brain and temporarily take away reasoning, so that men with grave responsibilities for safeguarding fellow men from accident and harm stay true to their trust, preventing calamities such as shipwreck upon the high seas.
Self-denial in eating and drinking brings gain, and students who exercise self-control and seek knowledge honor and glorify God. Such self-control is part of presenting the body a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. Refusing to defile appetite preserves the body for God, giving calm nerves, clear brain, unimpaired judgment and clear perception, and keeping every faculty in health for service. Keeping from defilement of appetite and passion makes partakers of the divine nature. Violating the laws of nature and health is violating the law of God, which stands as a wall of protection, while obedience leaves the body undefiled as God's temple and property by creation and redemption.
Choosing food and drink that preserve health and faculties enabled service to God with whole minds and bodies through restraint and strict temperance. Care for the body preserved physical, intellectual and moral powers for service, illustrating practical temperance and denial of selfish appetite. Abstinence made a distinction in appearance from youth who indulged appetite, and faithfulness even in little things left them far ahead, for simple diet kept minds clear, freed them from oppression by luxurious food, made them better prepared for study and taxing labor, kept them from sickness, and gave strength of thought and memory so they could think and work vigorously. They avoided luxuries of the king's table, wine and every stimulating drink, and food connected with idols, in order to preserve health and not enfeeble brain or muscle. They cooperated with God by exerting all their powers while God taught and worked in them, placing themselves under God in perfect training so all faculties might do highest service, seeking knowledge to honor and glorify God, perfecting Christian character and keeping clear intellect, that they might stand as sincere faithful representatives of true religion amid false religions, and restraint in appetite thus preserved vigor and clear perception.
Willingness to follow the test while cooperating with God shows that self-denial and refusal to adopt wrong customs can preserve spirituality and keep the mind clear for understanding Scripture and discerning truth.
Faithfulness and Divine Blessing
The granting of the ten-day proof is an instance of the triumph of religious principle over temptation to indulge appetite, proving that through principle young men may triumph over the lusts of the flesh and remain true to God's requirements even at great sacrifice. Standing for the right as was done in the courts of Babylon overcomes intemperance and baffles the enemy, and those living in this world of temptation and trial must stand steadfastly for the right because it is right. Strict compliance with God's requirements benefits health of body and mind, and to reach the highest standard of moral and intellectual attainments it is necessary to seek wisdom and strength from God and observe strict temperance in all habits of life.
Faithfulness in the little things of the food test gave complexion to the whole life and enabled faithfulness in larger responsibilities, for whatever is worth doing is worth doing well and faithfulness is required in the smallest duties as well as in work requiring the largest sacrifice. The stand on the ten-day trial was the turning point in the Christian life because a vital principle was involved, and there would be no compromise in the least degree, no sacrifice of loyalty to God, and no influence allowed to come between them and their Maker. To comply would have meant surrender of principle, compromise of truth, and apostasy from God, so whatever the consequences and however men might judge, the determination was to be true because God is the great Judge over all. That steadfastness in this small test led later to open disregard of the king's requirements in the very face of death, when God vindicated His servants and through their steadfastness spread the knowledge of the true God throughout Babylon. It is better to incur the displeasure of men than to surrender loyalty to God, and youth today must likewise be true to principle in small things and bring work near perfection, conquering unlawful appetites and passions, purifying the soul by belief of the truth, looking to God for strength and praying in faith, so they will not hesitate when the larger test of sacrifice is presented even though life is involved.
Success came not from diet alone and not from chance or destiny, but from God's blessing joined with diligent effort, for God read the pure motive and determination of purpose to honor Him. The four youths did not treat blessing as a substitute for work but studied diligently, taxed their powers, used their abilities fully, and made the most of opportunities, so that through God's grace their future depended also on their choices and actions. Simple diet joined with fear of God, love of God, cheerful service, a clean conscience and a bright countenance brought God's cooperation, and He rewarded it with knowledge and skill in all learning that later left them ten times ahead of others when examined after years of training. They did not walk in sparks of their own kindling but made the Lord their wisdom, made divine philosophy the foundation of education, welcomed the counsel of the Lord, and submitted to divine discipline, as all students should do.
Their loyalty gave Babylon evidence of God's supremacy, the holiness of His requirements, and the results of obedience. Taken captive at the beginning of the seventy years' captivity in God's providence and wise purpose, they stood true as steel to principle, refused to be corrupted by selfishness, and chose to honor God at the loss of all things rather than compromise with idolaters. They bore their faith and their name as worshipers of the living God as a high honor, carrying out God's purpose to give heathen nations the blessings that come through a knowledge of Jehovah as His representatives, and in both prosperity and adversity they honored God and God honored them. God designed the test and their connection with the great men of Babylon to show that there is a King above the king of Babylon and that God reigns over all kingdoms, and He cooperated with them by giving knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom, with understanding in visions and dreams to Daniel. Their faithfulness did not prevent gaining secular and scientific knowledge, for they studied without being corrupted, and God gave them skill and understanding and upheld and honored them with wisdom, knowledge, and understanding while living among idolaters without compromise.
They valued the favor of God above the favor and praise of princes and refused to bow to any earthly mandate that detracted from the honor of God. Even in the court of the king, in words, habits, and practices, they were not ashamed to display their true colors and confess faith in the Lord God of heaven, bound by the golden chain of truth to the throne of God with strength from heaven to confess allegiance. Because of faithful integrity and determination to honor God above every human power, God loved them, spread His shield over them, and signally honored them before men as Lord God of hosts over heaven and earth. Surrounded with temptations on every hand they walked humbly with God and preserved simplicity of faith, and God set a hedge about them so they were not corrupted, with heavenly intelligences cooperating with them, giving grace to remain faithful as a bright light amid the moral darkness of Babylon's wicked courts. In the surrounding account they remain true to God rather than compromise with Babylonian religious practices, and God upholds and honors them.
Daniel is the pattern for men in responsible positions, seeking power that comes alone from God that he may represent not himself and not imperfections in selfish and fraudulent practices but the truth in righteousness, without pride or self-importance and without considering himself above fellow workers, weighed with the Spirit of wisdom from God, representing the sacredness of the work, magnifying the truth, and ever presenting the holy perfume of the character of Christ. His education in Babylon shows that heavenly wisdom surpasses the learning of Babylon's highest schools, pursued under God's guidance. Though carrying manifold daily responsibilities in the highest position next to the king, he kept self-control through strict temperance in all things joined with constant earnest seeking of God, clung to Jesus, lived in His perpetual presence, and had power to prevail in prayer, showing men in trust must seek God as constantly and earnestly, being not only men of business but men of prayer. As a student in a worldly school he lived out what he believed without sacrificing principle, making no pretensions, respecting rules and regulations, keeping living principles of truth including Sabbath observance, letting the power of God in his life work as leaven without starting open controversies. His principles became known and aroused inquiry, giving opportunity to tell in simple language the simple Bible doctrines, dropping seeds of truth that under the Holy Spirit spring up to bear fruit for the glory of God in the saving of souls.
His ten days of proving pictures probationary time in which each person is responsible for building character that will stand the test of the judgment and decides eternal destiny, with only one opportunity and no second probation to stand the test and proving of God by depending on Christ. He stood firm to principle under trial and became a representative man and pattern of integrity worthy of imitation. His place of trust was gained through self-denial and connection with God, through persevering effort and faithful work rather than ambition or forcing his way into position. When tested by God in unfavorable positions he and his companions humbled themselves, prayed, trusted God, walked in simple faith without self and self-interest, let angels impress their minds, acknowledged God as highest power, and cherished meekness and humility, so their lifework bears the test of the judgment by overcoming by the blood of the Lamb and the word of testimony.
The recorded account serves to encourage those who face trial and temptation. God protects those brought into trial in the way of duty while doing what is right, but those who place themselves under temptation will eventually fall. His grace enables people weakened by sin to resist temptation and stand for what is right even under severe trial. Those who depend on God and cooperate with Him in purity for His glory receive grace to overcome and strength and ability for their work.
Example for Present Life
Daniel and his companions stand as illustrations of what young men today may become, earnest and whole-souled and determined to be true to principle at any cost. Young people can follow their self-denial, purpose, diligence and steadfastness even under difficult circumstances, in dangerous and tempting settings, and youth in the last days facing tests as severe must be willing to sacrifice even life rather than apostatize. Their steadfast course under the test over eating was endured with consistency, and their stand against temptation is an example for youth in every age, showing that by God's favor and grace to resist temptation people today can likewise practice temperance, sustain genuine purity and godly principles, preserve their powers for service, and make their choice a testimony for true temperance.
Their example teaches bringing habits and appetites into line with God's requirements in order to prepare for greater service and remain fit for a life of useful service. Denying appetite and practicing self-denial, abstinence from intoxicating drinks, and care in eating preserves physical strength, health and clear thought, keeps the mind clear and in right relation to God, and helps escape evils connected with lust. Such resolve to follow God's guidance in diet and to conform life to His word brings strength, wisdom, sound judgment and mental and spiritual help.
Workers for God must cultivate force of character with keen feeling and quick perception rather than being mere time-servers. They must be temperate in eating, let rich and luxurious food find no place on their tables, and when the brain is constantly taxed and there is lack of physical exercise eat sparingly even of plain food, since plainness of diet in connection with a life of prayer gives clearness of mind and firmness of purpose and strength of intellect in acquiring knowledge. Gospel ministers must proclaim the thrilling truths appropriate for this time, and all must be as Daniel and his fellows, light-bearers gathering rays of light from heaven and shedding them abroad, because the Lord now calls for workers, and firm adherence to self-denial in the ten-day proving brought no loss.
Their experience is the standard Christian youth can reach in reverence, diligence, purity and efficiency. A life shaped by reverence for God and free from selfish distractions, with love and fear of God leading to diligent use of abilities and refusing to let selfish motives or amusement consume time, shows what devotion and development of abilities can attain. Refusal to yield to appetite helped preserve the clear mind and self-discipline needed to receive God's instruction and become successful in His service, and temperate habits, faithful conduct and a life shaped by God's light can make character evident to others under instruction and testing. Their history teaches youth to form habits of purity, accuracy, integrity and faithfulness through prayer and discipline, since such habits shape later life.
Every institution bearing the Seventh-day Adventist name is to be to the world as they were in Babylon, as Joseph in Egypt was a pattern, honoring God in prosperity and adversity and being honored by Him in return. Adventists are to witness for God by being in the world but not of the world, standing distinct in manner of dealing, showing purity of character and honesty in dealing, so that those connected with them may see that truth conscientiously believed makes them honest, sanctifies them, and makes them sons and daughters of God, children of the heavenly King, faithful, true, honest and upright in small as well as great acts of life. Studying their lives as health reformers and practicing their steadfast principles leads students to well-rounded character and strong influence, for their captivity served God's purpose to bring the blessings of knowing God to a heathen nation and to represent Him without compromise as worshipers of the living God.
Following Daniel means surrendering the will to God, seeking His help, working faithfully and praying much for grace to live true religion. It means complying with human wishes and earthly authority in everything that does not conflict with service to Christ, being kind and faithful while letting no one come between the soul and God, loving the Lord with all heart and soul without swerving, holding firm convictions of duty such as Sabbath observance and keeping it the best possible in every place, and remaining faithful even when meeting opposition and new temptations. Strict adherence to principle tested for ten days shows commitment to God and exerts an influence for good where placed, with God giving wisdom and enabling willing service.
True reform comes by thorough cooperation with Christ through grace ruling in the heart, not by outward restriction of diet or circumstance alone. Making a friend of God and keeping to the path of self-denial resists Satan's desire to turn footsteps aside and warp character, and fighting bravely against his suggestions in God's strength makes one more than conqueror and able to exert an influence for truth with impressions upon other hearts that will never be effaced. Hereditary or cultivated habits and tendencies, animal passions, appetites and passions, circumstances and surroundings are to be servants to the God-fearing man, not rulers over him, to be ruled and controlled by inwrought principle learned from the greatest Teacher, with excuses valueless, passing like a plowshare through all habits and surroundings. Those who use God-given faculties to deny self gain strength of principle, power to stand as faithful sentinels and true reformers, victories over wrong hereditary and learned tendencies, triumph over Satan, victory over appetite, and an influence carried to all parts of the world.
Their course calls for refusing what hinders true character and divine life even when few and pressured by the majority, choosing moral dignity, purity and righteousness, gaining solidity for usefulness and cultivating oneself. Steadfastness to principle under testing made them examples of integrity worthy of imitation, showing moral strength gained by resisting temptation and self-indulgence and wisdom that honors God while remaining faithful to religion and seeking to represent Him well. Perseverance in self-denial and obedience to strict temperance prepared them to endure trial, and like him those ruled by Christ can influence other hearts in lasting ways with an influence reaching throughout the world. Watching, praying and heeding Daniel and Revelation, with self-denial, temperance and persevering study and a plain healthful diet that values the body and guards against harmful habits, prepares to endure trial in the perils of the last days.
Daniel's refusal to defile himself demonstrates resistance to temptation and corrupting practices, and the Lord favored his choice with wisdom and understanding. He and his companions knew the rich diet would confuse the brain and leave them unable to distinguish right from wrong and sacred from common and unable to receive the education God had to give to make them successful Christian statesmen, so keeping the fear of God before them, refusing to indulge appetite, keeping the mental machinery in fit condition, and presenting themselves to God in prayer as needy and dependent brought honor, strength, wisdom and understanding, until at examination they were found ten times better than the magicians and astrologers. Their faithful following of received light through temperance, and their steadfast loyalty in resisting temptation and honoring God in daily life, was rewarded with rich blessings and places youth where God can help them distinguish right from wrong under a power above all human power. Their history is an illustration of what all youth may become in God's service, showing that bringing right eating and right drinking into religion, learned first by home training and then by healthful food bringing health to body and mind, proves strict adherence to right principles is never a loss.