Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact. (Daniel 2:14)Most critical biblical scholars affirm that Daniel was written not to the Jews in Babylonian exile, but to their grandchildren living 400 years later being butchered by the Greek tyrant Antiochus Epiphanes. The last six chapters are apocalyptic literature, written to help persecuted peoples get through their dark times.
During this first encounter between Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar, the King has asked for something totally preposterous. He has demanded that not only must his wise men interpret his dream, but that they interpret it without being told what it was! When no one could comply, the king ordered the deaths of all his advisors, even though some had not yet been tested. When they came to arrest Daniel, instead of panicking, and instead of flying off the handle at the unjustness of the situation, the writer says Daniel responded with wisdom and tact.
No matter how unreasonable the request or violent the attack, we don't have to respond with panic or anger – even when our assailant is a monstrous tyrant. In faith, we can choose how to respond, and respond with wisdom and tact. If a violent response is deemed necessary, let it be a reasoned response, not a knee jerk reaction. Very few good arguments ever came out of a shouting match. Because he kept his head when others were losing theirs, Daniel emerged as the king's most trusted advisor.
When's the last time panicking or losing your temper successfully resolved anything?
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