Why Daniel and His Friends Were Ten Times Better

Daniel 1:20

20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.

Daniel and his companions were ten times better because they maintained a living connection with God, strictly adhered to principles of temperance, and remained faithful to the religious training of their youth4MR 121.3+2. Their superiority was not a matter of chance but the result of the divine blessing that attends adherence to nature's laws and the God of natureSDP 25.1+1.

Religious Principle and Early Training

The foundation of the highest education is religious principle, and these youth remained true to the lessons learned in their childhood homesSPCCSR 94.1+2. They did not leave their religion behind when they entered the corrupt city of Babylon but chose to vindicate the honor of God in every transaction13MR 133.1+1. By respecting their own manhood and refusing to pervert their talents through indulgence, they preserved the vigor of their mental powersSDP 25.1+1.

• Trust in God: They depended upon God for strength and efficiency in their labors, and He rewarded them with unrivaled wisdomSDP 25.1+1.

• Fear of the Lord: Their history demonstrates that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" Psalm 111:10+1SDP 25.1.

• Consistency: They were faithful in little things, and because they honored God, He honored them 1 Samuel 2:30SDP 25.1.

Temperance and Physical Health

Their marvelous wisdom was closely linked to their physical habits, specifically their resolution to avoid the king's meat and wineBDOC 9.2+2. By choosing a simple diet of pulse and water, they preserved their physical and mental vigor, which was revealed in their fair countenances and keen apprehensionBDOC 9.2+2.

• Mental Clarity: They knew that rich food and wine would confuse the brain and make them unable to distinguish between the sacred and the commonBDOC 9.2+1.

• Self-Denial: Their habits of self-denial and temperance allowed God to mold and fashion them after the divine similitudeBCL 11.3+1.

• Sanctified Reason: Through temperance, their appetites were kept under the control of enlightened reasonARSH August 23, 1864, page 98.9.

Divine Cooperation and Education

Daniel and his associates were "ten times better" because they had the Lord as their educator and cooperated with Him in the use of every power given to them4MR 121.3+2. While they were diligent in their studies, they did not rely on human effort alone; they worked out their salvation while God worked in them "to will and to do of His good pleasure" Philippians 2:13PK 486.3+1.

• Superior Knowledge: Their knowledge was not obtained merely from the Chaldean teachers but from the teaching of the Spirit of God and the study of the ScripturesARSH February 22, 1898, page 124.11+1.

• Spiritual Insight: Because Daniel was in close connection with God, he was given additional understanding in all visions and dreams Daniel 1:17FE 373.3+1.

• Purpose of Service: They viewed their education as a means to represent the true God to an idolatrous nation, serving as "living epistles" of His love and power13MR 133.1+2.

Integrity in Business and Statesmanship

The wisdom given to Daniel did not make him a "policy man" or a schemer; instead, he wove the principles of truth into all his transactionsCOL 350.5+1. Even under the closest scrutiny, no fault or error could be found in his work, proving that a person can be a successful businessman while being instructed by God at every stepCOL 350.5+1.

• Excellence: They strove to be second to none in their duties, using their "entrusted capital" to its highest potential4MR 121.3+1.

• Steadfastness: Even when faced with death, Daniel answered with "counsel and wisdom," showing that his connection with the Source of all wisdom was his greatest asset Daniel 2:14FE 373.3+1.

• Unrivaled Peerage: Among all the representatives of the earth's choicest talents gathered at the court of Babylon, these Hebrew captives stood without a peerEd 55.2+1.