Topical Encyclopedia Prudence, often understood as the ability to govern and discipline oneself through the use of reason, is a virtue that is prominently displayed in the life of Daniel, a key figure in the Old Testament. Daniel's life and actions, as recorded in the Book of Daniel, provide a profound example of prudence in the face of adversity and temptation.Early Life and Training Daniel was among the young men of Judah taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Despite being in a foreign land, Daniel exhibited prudence from the outset. He was selected to be trained in the language and literature of the Babylonians, a process that included a diet of royal food and wine. However, Daniel "resolved not to defile himself with the king’s food or wine" (Daniel 1:8). His prudent decision to request a diet of vegetables and water demonstrated his commitment to God's laws and his ability to make wise choices under pressure. Interpreting Dreams Daniel's prudence is further highlighted in his interactions with King Nebuchadnezzar. When the king demanded the interpretation of his troubling dream, Daniel approached the situation with wisdom and tact. He requested time to seek God's revelation, demonstrating his reliance on divine wisdom rather than human understanding. God granted Daniel the interpretation, and he prudently gave credit to God, saying, "There is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries" (Daniel 2:28). This act of prudence not only saved his life and the lives of his companions but also elevated him to a position of influence in the Babylonian court. The Writing on the Wall In Daniel 5, during the reign of King Belshazzar, Daniel once again displayed prudence. When the mysterious writing appeared on the wall during a royal feast, Daniel was called to interpret it. Despite the king's offer of rewards, Daniel prudently refused them, focusing instead on delivering God's message. His interpretation of the writing, which foretold the fall of Babylon, was delivered with clarity and courage, reflecting his prudent understanding of the times and his unwavering commitment to truth. The Lion's Den Daniel's prudence is perhaps most famously illustrated in the account of the lion's den. When a decree was issued forbidding prayer to anyone but King Darius, Daniel continued his practice of praying to God three times a day. His prudent decision to maintain his spiritual discipline, despite the threat of death, demonstrated his steadfast faith and trust in God's protection. As a result, God delivered him from the lions, showcasing the divine favor that accompanies prudent and faithful living. Legacy of Prudence Throughout his life, Daniel exemplified prudence by consistently choosing to honor God above all else. His ability to navigate complex political and spiritual landscapes with wisdom and integrity serves as a timeless model for believers. Daniel's life encourages Christians to seek divine wisdom, remain faithful in adversity, and exercise prudence in all aspects of life. Nave's Topical Index Daniel 1:8-14But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. Nave's Topical Index Library Though Justice and Prudence are Inseparable, we must have Respect ... Antichrist in Daniel Men Entrust their Safety Rather to a Just than to a Prudent Man. . ... The Times of the Captivity have Been Rendered Illustrious by the ... A Third Element which Tends to Gain any One's Confidence is Shown ... Methodist Book Concern On Fortitude. ... Testimonies of the Ancients in Favor of Eusebius. Letter Lxi. To vigilantius. Honour Your Youthful Bishop. Resources What are the seven cardinal virtues? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a husbandman in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about common sense? | GotQuestions.org Prudence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Prudence in Avoiding his Enemies Prudence in Charging Those Who Were Healed not to "Advertise" his Miracles Prudence in Circumcising Timothy Prudence in Performing Temple Rites Prudence in Turning the Jewish Sects Against Each Other Prudence in Walking "No Longer Openly" Prudence of the Wicked: Defeated by God Prudence of the Wicked: Denounced by God Prudence of the Wicked: Fails in Times of Perplexity Prudence of the Wicked: Keeps Them from the Knowledge of the Gospel Prudence of the Wicked: Necessity For-Illustrated Prudence: Abigail, in Averting David's Anger Prudence: Achish, in Dismissing David Prudence: Aged Counsellors of Rehoboam Prudence: Avoiding Suspicion in Administering the Gifts of the Congregations Prudence: Certain Elders of Israel Prudence: David, in his Conduct Toward Saul Prudence: David, in Overthrowing Ahithophel's Shrewd Advice Prudence: Elijah, in his Escape from Jezebel Prudence: Exemplified by Christ Prudence: Exhibited in the Manifestation of God's Grace Prudence: General Scriptures Concerning Prudence: Going to the Feast Secretly Prudence: Intimately Connected With Wisdom Prudence: Jacob, in his Conduct Toward Esau Prudence: Jacob, Toward his Sons, After Dinah's Defilement Prudence: Jehoram, in Suspecting a Syrian Stratagem Prudence: Jethro's Advice to Moses Prudence: Joseph, in his Conduct Toward Mary Prudence: Joseph, in the Affairs of Egypt Prudence: Nehemiah, in Conduct of Affairs at Jerusalem Prudence: Paul and Barnabas, in Escaping Persecution Prudence: Paul and Silas, in Escaping from Berea Prudence: Peter, in Escaping from Herod Agrippa I Prudence: Saints should Especially Exercise, in Their Intercourse With Prudence: Saul, in not Killing the Jabesh-Gileadites Prudence: The Israelites, in the Threatened War With the Two and One-Half Tribes Prudence: The Town Clerk of Ephesus, in Averting a Riot Prudence: The Wise Celebrated For Prudence: The Young should Cultivate Prudence: They Who Have are Preserved by It Prudence: They Who Have: Crowned With Knowledge Prudence: They Who Have: Deal With Knowledge Prudence: They Who Have: Foresee and Avoid Evil Prudence: They Who Have: Get Knowledge Prudence: They Who Have: Keep Silence in the Evil Time Prudence: They Who Have: Look Well to Their Goings Prudence: They Who Have: Not Ostentatious of Knowledge Prudence: They Who Have: Regard Reproof Prudence: They Who Have: Suppress Angry Feelings Prudence: They Who Have: Understand the Ways of God Prudence: They Who Have: Understand Their own Ways Prudence: Virtuous Wives Act With Related Terms |