Daniel's Wisdom

During my personal bible study time, I have been spending some time in the book of Daniel. Today I want to share some thoughts from the first two chapters of Daniel; I encourage you to read Chapter 2:12-30.

King Nebuchadnezzar had a troubling dream, and he demanded an interpretation of the dream from all the magicians, sorcerers, wise men and astrologers of the time. When no one was able to respond, the king "commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be destroyed" (verse 12, NIV), this included Daniel and his three friends, which many of us know as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (also named Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah). It is Daniel's response in this urgent and life-threatening time that made me realize that his response can teach us how to deal with stressful situations, and every day life.

When you act, do so with wisdom and discretion. Daniel's life was on the line, and instead of panicking or responding harshly, he responds with wisdom and prudence (see Daniel 2:14). Merriam-Webster defines these (prudence and wisdom) as "cautious" and having "good sense or judgment." When Arioch, the king's captain, came to take Daniel into custody, instead of fighting with him, he uses good sense and judgment, cautiously asking why this is happening.

Don't rush. Daniel did not run into Nebuchadnezzar with answers right away. In chapter 2, verse 16, "Daniel went in to the king and asked for time." Sometimes when we face a difficult situation, the wise response is sometimes no response at all for a time. Daniel knew that he did not have the answers right then; he knew he needed to wait. When we face challenges, it is often best not to make rash decisions, but to step back and wait until we are sure of our response and where God is leading us.

Go to God in prayer. Ask friends for prayer. This is a two-fold point. When Daniel is permitted time to interpret the king's dream, he goes to his companions, his godly friends. He asks them to pray, to "seek mercy from the God of heaven." He takes time to go to the ultimate source of wisdom. Job 12:13 reads, "With God are wisdom and might; he has counsel and understanding." Daniel sought out God's wisdom and mercy in this difficult situation, and he did not do so alone. We do not have to be alone in difficult times, sometimes friendships are there to encourage us. In Matthew 18:20, we are encouraged to pray with others; "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."

Give blessing and credit to God. We need to take time to give praise and credit to God. When God revealed the dream and interpretation to Daniel, the first thing he did was not to run to the king with the answer, but he praised God (see verses 20-23). After taking time to thank and praise his heavenly Father, he then also tells the king that it's by the God in heaven that he interprets his dream, not of his own abilities.

Daniel's response to this time of stress and possible death is an example to us when we feel like things are falling apart. There have been many times for me, when the encouragement I needed comes from God's word, a good friend, or patience in time of trial. Daniel was certainly a man of wisdom, granted by God, and we can seek to be like him by seeking God's wisdom, not just in times of trial, but daily. Thanks be to God for his eternal Word and comfort.

Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."