# Day 179

# The Virtue of Daniel

Daniel 1:8–21

Daniel and his friends came to Nebuchadnezzar’s palace. But their food had been offered to idols. Daniel went to the palace master. “Please don’t make me dishonor myself by eating food given to idols.”

“The king himself has given you this food. If you don’t eat, it you won’t be healthy. Then my life could be in danger of the king’s anger.”

“Let’s try it for ten days,” Daniel suggested. “Just give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then see if we’re healthy.”

The palace master agreed. After ten days, Daniel and his three friends looked healthier than the others. So they never ate the idols’ food. God gave these four wisdom and skill in Babylonian knowledge. Daniel also could understand dreams and visions.

After three years’ training they were brought to Nebuchadnezzar. The king spoke with them. No one could compare with Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. They became part of the king’s own court. The king was pleased. These four were ten times better than his own magicians and psychics.

Questions: Why wouldn’t Daniel eat the king’s food? Who gave the four young men wisdom and skill in Babylonian knowledge?