This made the king so angry and furious that he ordered the execution of all the wise men of Babylon…When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, had gone out to put to death the wise men of Babylon, Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact. He asked the king’s officer, “Why did the king issue such a harsh decree?” Arioch then explained the matter to Daniel. At this, Daniel went in to the king and asked for time, so that he might interpret the dream for him. (Daniel 2:12, 14-16)
Daniel is one of the most godly men in the Old Testament. As far as I can remember, he and Joseph are the only two major OT characters who do not have a critical fall or fault mentioned in their lives (and if you include Joseph’s “bratty” childhood then Daniel would stand alone). And in Ezekiel 14:14, when God is looking for the highest examples of godliness, He includes Daniel: “Even if these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it [Judah], they would deliver only themselves by their righteousness,” says the Lord GOD.”
Considering these facts makes me want to examine Daniel’s life as closely as possible. What set him apart? How did he live? In chapter one, the first thing that stands out is Daniel’s conscious choice to serve the Lord and depart from evil. He purposes in his heart not to defile himself even while living in a degenerate society and given ample opportunity to sin and forsake the Lord (1:8). In this chapter, you see more of David’s character and attitude.
When the order comes to have Daniel and his friends executed, it says that Daniel spoke with “wisdom and tact.” When Daniel goes before the king, he also speaks with this same wisdom and tact. The OT highlights Daniel’s speech for a reason. His speech shows the character and attitude of his heart. James says, We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check (James 3:2). It’s our mouth that so often gets us in trouble. Why? Because our mouth reveals our heart. Jesus highlighted this in Matthew 12:34-37.
You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.
Whoa. It is the things we say, the way we talk to people, the way we talk about people, the tone we use, the attitude behind our voice, the carelessness of our words, that reveals the selfishness and sinfulness of our hearts.
But Daniel speaks with “wisdom and tact.” He chooses his words wisely. He keeps his tongue in check. And he speaks with respect to others, even to pagan kings and army officers who are ready to kill him!
Not only does Daniel speak with wisdom and tact to others but he speaks with humility and praise to God. Daniel pleads with God to reveal the mystery of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. And when God reveals the dream, Daniel immediately turns to praise. Praise be the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his! (2:20)
Wisdom and tact toward others–humility and praise toward God. It is the way that Daniel speaks that reveals the way that he lives before the Lord.
Lord, guard the door of my mouth. Keep me from slander, gossip, and careless words. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in Your sight today!