What can we learn from Daniel's reputation as a man of wisdom and insight? Daniel Called before Belshazzar “So Daniel was brought before the king, and the king asked him, ‘Are you Daniel, one of the exiles that my father the king brought from Judah?’ ” (Daniel 5:13) Daniel’s Reputation Did Not Appear Overnight • Years earlier, “God gave knowledge and understanding in every kind of literature and wisdom. And Daniel had insight into all kinds of visions and dreams” (Daniel 1:17). • He served Nebuchadnezzar faithfully, interpreting dreams (Daniel 2) and proclaiming truth. • His record was so consistent that the queen mother could still say, decades later, “an excellent spirit, knowledge, and insight… are found in this Daniel” (Daniel 5:12). Lesson: A testimony of wisdom is built through steady obedience, not a single moment of brilliance. Source of True Wisdom • “The LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6). • James 1:5 connects the same truth to every believer: God “gives generously to all.” • Daniel’s gifts were therefore God-given, not self-generated—yet Daniel diligently cultivated them. Lesson: Seek the Lord first; cultivate what He supplies. Character Backing the Gift • Daniel refused to compromise with royal food (Daniel 1:8) and refused to hide his prayers (Daniel 6:10). • Because “an exceptional spirit was in him” he “distinguished himself above the administrators” (Daniel 6:3). • Integrity amplified his insight. Lesson: Wisdom rings hollow without holy character; the two must travel together. Bold Use of Insight for God’s Glory • Before Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel declared, “There is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries” (Daniel 2:28). • Before Belshazzar, he exposed sin and announced judgment (Daniel 5:22-28). • He never softened God’s message to protect position or favor. Lesson: God grants understanding so we can speak His truth, not guard our comfort. Fruit of Faithful Service • Proverbs 22:29 promises the skilled will stand before kings; Daniel literally did. • Matthew 5:16 urges letting our light shine; Daniel’s life illuminated a pagan court. • Acts 6:3 describes leaders “full of the Spirit and wisdom”—the same pattern God still seeks. Lesson: A life marked by Spirit-given wisdom influences both believers and unbelievers, often in unexpected places. Living This Out Today • Pursue Scripture daily; the Spirit uses the Word to form wisdom. • Ask God specifically for insight, expecting Him to supply (James 1:5). • Guard integrity in small choices; private faithfulness produces public credibility. • Use whatever understanding God grants—whether in boardroom, classroom, or kitchen—to point others to Him. • Trust that God can place you “before kings” in His timing, for His purposes, just as He did with Daniel. |
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