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 persecuted people during dark times.
During this first encounter between Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar, the king asks for something totally preposterous. He demands that not only must his wise men interpret his dream, but that they interpret it without being told what it is! When no one can comply, the king orders the death of all his advisors, even though some have not yet been tested. When they come to arrest Daniel, instead of panicking, and instead of flying off the handle at the injustice 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 self-control. If a violent response is deemed necessary, let it be a reasoned response, not a knee-jerk reaction. Very few convincing 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 was the last time panicking or losing your temper successfully resolved anything?
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