1:15Daniel 1:15

At the end of ten days Daniel and his companions looked healthier and better nourished than all the youths who ate the king's food and drank his wine, and they were allowed to continue on pulse and water.RH Feb 10, 1910+2 They had refused the royal portion because it would defile them, being unclean by the law of Moses, offered to idols, and joined with wine that confuses judgment and weakens body and mind.CTBH 25.5–26.2+2 Their fairer countenance was God's blessing on obedience kept at any cost, honoring their denial of appetite with strength, comeliness, and intellectual power.Ms 73, 1909, par. 1–6+2 The outcome shows strict temperance in eating and drinking preserves health, for plain simple food keeps the body sound and the mind clear while luxurious food, flesh meats, and stimulating drink clog thought and weaken vigor.CTBH 25.5–26.2+4 It is a triumph of principle over appetite, proving that faithfulness in a small test of self-denial forms character for larger trusts and calls youth today to bring every habit into conformity to God.Lt 159, 1901, par. 16–18+4

The ten days belong to the captivity in Babylon at the beginning of the seventy years, when Israelite youths chosen to learn the language and learning of the Chaldeans to stand in the king's palace were appointed the king's food and wine.Ms 13, 1900, par. 7–10+2 As captives placed there by God they were to represent Him and to carry to the greatest kingdom in the world the knowledge of the only true God, the Creator of heaven and earth.Ms 13, 1900, par. 7–10+3 They did not leave their religion behind but determined to be cheerful and faithful, to preserve true worship and permit no slur upon God.Ms 48, 1898, par. 17–18+1 In this way the reward at the end of the ten days vindicated their faithful course and opened the way for knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom.Ms 13, 1900, par. 7–10

Daniel and his companions refused the portion because it would defile them, since it included swine's flesh and other meats pronounced unclean by the law of Moses and forbidden to Jews.CTBH 25.5–26.2+1 That food and wine had been dedicated to idols, so that eating and drinking would implicate them in heathen worship and dishonor God.4MR 125.3–126.3+1 The wine was remembered as an enticing snare that had confused the judgment of Nadab and Abihu.4MR 125.3–126.3 They understood its effects and would not accept what would weaken physical powers and hinder character and growth in divine life, choosing obedience to God over the king's favor.HSFM 153.1–3+1

The officer in charge, Melzar, and the prince of the eunuchs feared that rigid abstinence would make the youths look worse.CTBH 25.5–26.2+1 They expected an abstemious diet to render youth pale and sickly and deficient in muscular strength, and feared bringing the officer into disfavor with the king and endangering his life.BS 19.2–3+3 They thought, as many do now, that luxurious food from the king's table makes youth ruddy and beautiful and promotes physical and mental activity.FE 79.2–80.1

Daniel courteously, humbly, and without loud argument asked for a ten days' trial on pulse to eat and water to drink for himself and the Hebrew youth while their companions ate the king's dainties, so that physical appearance could be examined and decide the matter.CTBH 25.5–26.2+3 Without passion or defiance and with perfect courtesy he and his fellows had taken the matter to God in earnest prayer for wisdom, then relied upon God whom they loved and served.Ms 14, 1896, par. 12–13 He felt assured his case was gained because, though only a youth, he had seen the injurious effects of wine and luxurious living upon physical and mental health.FE 79.2–80.1 Their request rested on the belief that restraint in eating and drinking would keep minds clear and bodies fit for service.Ms 132, 1901, par. 9–10+1

At the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh, healthier and better nourished, than all the children and youths who ate the portion of the king's meat and drank his wine.RH Feb 10, 1910+4 The result was quite the opposite of Melzar's expectations and contrary to the officer's fear that a restrained diet would make them pale and weak.BS 19.2–3+2 They showed marked superiority not only in personal appearance but in physical activity and mental vigor over their companions who indulged appetite.FE 79.2–80.1 The result vindicated their choice, proved the diet wholesome and no mistake, and they were permitted to continue pulse and water throughout their training, with Melzar replacing the royal food and wine.CTBH 25.5–26.2+2

Their fairer appearance was described in detail as clear sparkling eyes and ruddy healthful glow, erect form, firm elastic step, fair countenance showing uncorrupted blood, undimmed senses, untainted breath, even tones and kind words.CTBH 26.3–27.2+3 In the youths who ate the luxuries and drank the wine the clear sparkle of the eye was gone and the ruddy healthful glow had disappeared from the countenance.20MR 116.1–5+1 These were certificates of good habits, physical soundness and moral purity, and insignia of the nobility with which nature honors those obedient to her laws.CTBH 26.3–27.2+3 The distinction in every way between their appearance and the appearance of those who indulged appetite left them far ahead in physical appearance.Ms 47, 1898, par. 10–13

At the end of ten days on pulse and water Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah looked healthier and better nourished than all the youths who ate the king's rich food and drank his wine.Ms 73, 1909, par. 1–6+4 Their fairer and healthier appearance was God's blessing on obedience to His law both physical and moral, and on loyalty kept true to principle at any cost even at risk of the king's displeasure.Lt 159, 1901, par. 16–18+4 Because they ate and drank as conscience directed, closed the door to temptation, denied appetite and placed themselves in right relation to God, God honored their efforts with strength and comeliness and intellectual power, with knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom making them ten times beyond the magicians and astrologers.Ms 73, 1909, par. 1–6+2 What is eaten and drunk influences the powers of the mind, so careful diet gives healthful bodies and clear minds while careless eating merely to gratify taste impairs the digestive organs and confuses the brain so that body and mind cannot act as fully as God intended.Ms 73, 1909, par. 1–6 God can sustain the faithful in perilous surroundings and in places of great temptation, giving strength to resist and strength and wisdom and sound judgment.Ms 7, 1886, par. 4–6+1

Their experience gave to Babylon evidence of God's supremacy, the holiness of His requirements and the sure results of obedience.PK 479.1+2 In prosperity and adversity they honored God and God honored them, and by refusing in the least degree to compromise the light given them they showed that a vital principle of loyalty to God was involved in which surrender would have meant compromise of truth and apostasy.PK 479.1+3 Through their steadfastness God vindicated His servants, spread the knowledge of the true God through the length and breadth of Babylon, and accomplished His purpose in permitting their captivity to give heathen nations the blessings that come through knowledge of Jehovah.PK 479.1+1 They stand as what God's people and God's institutions should be in the world among heathen nations, and Seventh-day Adventist institutions, especially sanitariums, are to be to the world what Daniel and his fellows were in Babylon.STB 741.3+1

They were prepared for the test by earlier training in God's ways in Judean homes, brought up without wine and rich luxuries in strict temperance and self-denial that kept the blood healthy and left no trace of weakness or dullness in mind or body.CTBH 23.2–3+3 Truth engraved upon the tablets of the soul and memory stored with precious truths, though only dimly comprehended before, flashed out in time of need like concealed treasure and newly discovered jewels revealing all their beauty.Ms 56, 1895, par. 8 Daniel's refusal was grounded in childhood education that eating and drinking must conform to nature's laws because they directly affect the physical, mental and moral nature, and that improper diet clouds the brain.CTBH 23.2–3+1 What God does for those who cooperate with Him in purifying and uplifting the soul shows what He expects from children taught from babyhood to keep His commandments, that plain living builds physical, mental and moral strength while luxurious eating and drinking weaken moral and physical power.CTBH 23.2–3+1

Their success was not achieved by relying on God's blessing instead of effort, for through grace destiny depended on their own will and action and their choices and actions mattered.MYP 147.1+3 They studied diligently and used their abilities and opportunities through sustained, strenuous exertion and close severe taxation of their powers, gaining knowledge through faithful use of what God gave with skill and understanding added by Him.MYP 147.1+3 Daniel did not walk in sparks of his own kindling but made the Lord his wisdom, made divine philosophy the foundation of his education, welcomed the counsel of the Lord and submitted to divine discipline, and God who read his heart looked with pleasure upon purity of motive and determination of purpose to honor the Lord.CE 91.3 Their success depended on earnest effort and on depending on God for grace to overcome and strength to do their work.Lt 54, 1895, par. 6+1

The verse shows true and strict temperance in all things and its attendant blessing of health.CTBH 25.5–26.2+3 Daniel stands in it as a bold representative of pure hygiene and a health reformer, a man of God who controlled appetite and refused to defile himself with the king's meat and wine.CTBH 25.5–26.2+2 His firm resolve to follow temperance in eating and drinking, and that of his Hebrew companions with him, was meant to preserve physical powers and strengthen the mind for service to God, and it brought physical, mental, and spiritual benefit.Ms 175, 1898, par. 3–4+2 Because intelligence depends on what is eaten and drunk, they had been educated to strict temperance for present and future good, and by keeping for ten days the course they had laid out as students they stood high in clear intellect and in clear presentation of matters that bring a knowledge of God and the truth.Ms 71, 1910, par. 1 Their better-looking and healthier appearance at the end proved the difference self-discipline makes and prepared the way for that knowledge to be brought before the king and their associates.Ms 71, 1910, par. 1

What is eaten and drunk influences the powers of the mind and the organs that make blood.Ms 93, 1910, par. 3–4+2 Careful diet gives healthful bodies and clear minds for study and taxing labor and for excelling in brain power and gaining knowledge, so care must be taken of the blood-making organs.Ms 93, 1910, par. 3–4+1 Careless eating merely to gratify taste, luxurious food, and stimulating drink impair the digestive organs, clog the mind, oppress with difficult digestion, confuse the brain, and weaken physical vigor, clearness of intellect, and spiritual power, so that body and mind cannot act as fully as God intended.Ms 73, 1909, par. 1–6+1 After ten days of simple food Daniel and his companions appeared healthier and better nourished than the youths who ate the king's food, and the trial showed their marked superiority not only in personal appearance but in physical activity and mental vigor, contrary to expectation.Ms 73, 1909, par. 1–6+3 Their abstinence from rich food and wine distinguished them physically, kept their minds clear, and prepared them for study and demanding work.4MR 123.2–3

A plain diet of pulse and water, and simply prepared fruits and grains without wine or strong elements, free from flesh meats, highly flavored meats, and great variety, agreed with them better than the royal fare.Ms 9, 1893, par. 1–3+2 It proved better for appearance and clear mind than a meat diet, for wine and flesh meats are not healthful or necessary for strength.Lt 141, 1896, par. 22+2 Their fairer, fuller appearance demonstrated this, while in the youths who ate the luxuries and drank the wine the clear sparkle of the eye was gone and the ruddy healthful glow had disappeared.Ms 9, 1893, par. 1–3+1 In light of this history no human testimony for the advantages of a meat diet or of a great variety of food should have any weight.20MR 116.6+1 When children of faith dedicate themselves to God without reserve with earnest prayer in self-denial, God honors their faith and blesses them with a clear mind, with strength and wisdom and sound judgment.20MR 116.6+2

The verse teaches practical regulation of appetite by sound reasoning rather than impulse, keeping the food placed in the stomach under one's own control.Lt 141, 1896, par. 22+1 Food is to be kept from surfeiting even when healthful, restricted even in quantity, and eaten sparingly even of plain food when the brain is constantly taxed and there is lack of physical exercise.GW92 82.2+2 Rich and luxurious food, meat of any kind and variety of flesh meats, sweet desserts, intoxicating drink, tobacco and other narcotics are to be kept off the table, and students and all are to be provided with food that will not disturb the organism, with intelligent care for the stomach and vital organs in cooperation with God to keep the stomach in healthful condition.GW92 82.2+2 This keeps a healthful current of blood flowing through the veins and leaves mind and body in condition for hard, stern labor, building force of character and mental power with keen feeling and quick perception.GW92 82.2+1 It brings calm nerves, clear brain, unimpaired judgment, and freedom from irritable tempers and disturbed and confused minds, keeping men with grave responsibility for others from beclouded reason, unfaithfulness to trust, and calamities such as shipwreck.GW92 82.2+1

Health reform does not cause loss of physical strength but sustains it.Ms 73, 1909, par. 1–6 This was proved by thirty years of living as simply as possible sustaining strength at age eighty-two through five months of constant labor in and out of the desk.Ms 73, 1909, par. 1–6 Daniel's strict temperance in all things joined with constant earnest prayer gave business ability, fitness to train self and others for the society of pure and holy beings, and power to prevail with God and gather influences that bring holy angels among the workers.Ms 73, 1909, par. 1–6+1

The verse is an instance of the triumph of principle over temptation to indulge appetite, showing integrity and firmness of purpose and loyalty that would honor God at loss of all things.Lt 159, 1901, par. 16–18+3 It teaches governing appetite by reason rather than impulse, refusing to compromise the light given even in the least degree, because a vital principle of loyalty to God is involved.Lt 159, 1901, par. 16–18+2 To have complied would have meant surrender of principle, compromise of truth, and apostasy, letting an influence come between the soul and its Maker.Ms 2b, 1895, par. 25–26 They determined to be true whatever the consequences and however men judged them, since God is the great Judge over all, refusing to sacrifice principle even in the slightest particular or take the first wrong step, even in the very face of death.BS 20.3+2 Better to incur the displeasure of men than to surrender loyalty to God, and through religious principle young men may triumph over the lusts of the flesh though it cost great sacrifice.BS 20.3+1

Faithfulness in this little test of self-denial gave character to the whole life.Ms 47, 1898, par. 14–15+1 By conquering unlawful appetites and passions and refusing to please and indulge self or to sacrifice conscience even to save life, they gained completeness of life and were signally honored.Ms 113, 1901, par. 19–23 That faithfulness in a small matter enabled faithfulness in larger responsibilities and prepared them not to hesitate when a larger test of sacrifice came even though life was involved, leading later to open disregard of the king's requirements in the face of death.Ms 2b, 1895, par. 25–26+1 It showed the benefit of doing one's best for oneself through temperance and self-denial, and the fairer, healthier appearance after ten days was God's encouragement not only for professing truth but for living it.Ms 186, 1907, par. 38–41+1 The Lord gives similar encouragement to all who follow the example by being faithful in the smallest duties as well as in work requiring the largest sacrifice, for whatever is worth doing is worth doing well, and advancement comes through linking with God, not through ambition or self-promotion.Ms 47, 1898, par. 14–15+1

Strict compliance with God's requirements benefits the health of body and mind and is necessary to reach the highest standard of moral and intellectual attainments.BS 20.3 Their clear eyes and healthy appearance after ten days on the simple food they had chosen instead of the king's rich food and wine showed the physical benefit of abstinence and served as a sign of moral purity and steadfast obedience.STMW9 60.1–2+2 Their faithfulness guarded physical vigor, clearness of intellect, and spiritual power.BS 21.1+1 Yielding to appetite would have weakened the sense of right and made further departures from principle more likely, with one departure able to lead to further wrong choices and separation from God.BS 21.1+1

By bringing right eating and right drinking into religion, they cooperated with God to keep the stomach in healthful condition and the mental machinery fit to receive His education.Ms 65, 1901, par. 11–14+2 They refused the king's food and wine in order to keep the brain unconfused and able to distinguish between right and wrong, between the sacred and the common, refusing wine, flesh meats, and every stimulating drink, keeping from idols, and bringing all faculties under God to eat and drink to His glory.CTBH 26.3–27.2+2 Because they kept the fear of God before them, sought to act creditably for the honor of their downtrodden people and for God's glory, and joined simple diet with cheerful service, a clean conscience, and love of God, God gave them strength and wisdom and understanding and greatly blessed them.CTBH 26.3–27.2+2 Their improved condition, erect form, firm elastic step, fair countenance showing uncorrupted blood, undimmed senses, untainted breath, and even tones and kind words were certificates of good habits and insignia of the nobility with which nature honors those obedient to her laws, proving that God always honors the right and places youth where He can help them obtain the education necessary to become successful workers, with a bright countenance and fitness for usefulness and duty.CTBH 26.3–27.2+4

Daniel obtained favor with Melzar, the officer in charge, and with men by courteous, humble conduct without passion or defiance.FE 79.2–80.1+1 He would not depart from strictly temperate habits even with a plausible excuse, because God's approval was dearer than the favor of the most powerful earthly ruler and dearer than life itself, yet he obeyed and adapted to court practices that did not dishonor God while keeping integrity and dignity, speaking no harsh words and winning regard.FE 79.2–80.1+1 With true courage and Christian courtesy, after taking the matter to God in earnest prayer for wisdom and relying upon Him, he asked for the simple diet and gained confidence so the request was granted.Ms 191, 1903, par. 21–23+1 As leader his influence decided the course of his three companions Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; his firm stand for what was right influenced them, and had he pleased himself instead, they too would have failed.Ms 113, 1901, par. 19–23+1

Seeking the power that comes alone from God, he would represent not himself and not imperfections in selfish practices but the truth in righteousness.Ms 7, 1895, par. 27–30 Because of this dependence he had no vestige of pride or self-importance, was weighed with the Spirit of wisdom, magnified the truth, and ever presented the holy perfume of Christ's character, which is the sacred fire of God's own kindling.Ms 7, 1895, par. 27–30 He made a friend of God instead of placing himself in association with those whose minds are filled with cheap nonsense and whose influence harms spirituality, staying on the path of self-denial and bravely fighting Satan's suggestions in God's strength.Ms 65, 1901, par. 15–16 True as steel to principle, full of reverence and zeal, purpose, industry, and toil, though as weak and helpless as any worker now, he put whole dependence in God and found true wealth in mind and soul culture by making God first and last and best in everything, coming off triumphant over the powers of darkness arrayed against youth.Ms 65, 1901, par. 15–16+1

Young men and women today may become what Daniel and his companions became by bringing all habits, appetites and passions into conformity to God's requirements, eating and drinking as conscience directs, closing the door to temptation, denying appetite and placing themselves in right relation to God.Lt 159, 1901, par. 16–18+1 Their earnest, whole-souled determination to stay true to principle at any cost keeps the mind clear and keen to comprehend instruction, and is honored with fairer appearance, knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom, and superiority ten times beyond the magicians and astrologers.Lt 159, 1901, par. 16–18+1 This qualifying requires discarding unprofitable amusements, indulgence of appetite, and all that is cheap and frivolous and nonsense and amusement-loving, refusing to associate with those who walk in paths of sin, and remaining firm in integrity through continual watchfulness and victory after victory over self and the powers of darkness.MYP 41.3+2 Those who so strive to become laborers for God, seeking earnestly to acquire in order to impart, constantly receive light from God so they can be channels of communication, living by faith, watching unto prayer, and reflecting honor to God with minds made clear for the pursuit of knowledge and moral power to remain unmoved when assailed.MYP 41.3+1 They value the favor of God above the favor and praise of princes, cannot be tempted to turn aside from integrity, refuse to bow to any earthly mandate that detracts from His honor, and are not ashamed to display their true colors and confess faith in words, habits and practices even in the king's court.MYP 27.4–28.1+1 God loves such, spreads His shield over them, gives them strength from heaven to confess allegiance, binds them by the golden chain of truth to His throne, and calls them to unfurl their colors before men and angels, make a telling confession by choice words and consistent action, let Christ occupy the throne in the soul temple, and lay all talents without reserve at His feet for service, proving that youth in later ages can do the same as Daniel did.MYP 27.4–28.1+1

The refusal to sacrifice principle while a student in a heathen school made truth visible in life and physical condition, for pure, correct, temperate habits were revealed in the countenance and made conduct visibly superior to others.Ms 22c, 1895 [Copy 3], par. 21–24+1 That visible difference draws attention and inquiry, and living out what is believed without pretension, holding principle while respecting the rules of the school, represents truth in institutions of learning by depending on the power of God manifested in the life more than on words spoken.CT 283.4+1 When inquirers ask, the answer is to be told in simple language the Bible doctrines, including the living principles of truth such as the Sabbath, avoiding open controversy, so that light shines forth and seeds of truth spring up to bear fruit for the glory of God in the saving of souls.Ms 22c, 1895 [Copy 3], par. 21–24 Strict adherence to principle in choices about food, in eating and drinking to God's glory, exerts a good influence, for close connection with God, reverence for Him, and willing, diligent use of life's opportunities are standards Christian youth can reach.CT 283.4+2 So lived, students and schools become exemplary as a bright light amid moral darkness, light-bearers gathering rays from heaven and shedding them abroad on those around them as workers now called by the Lord.Lt 128, 1910, par. 7

God's dealing with His servants in making them appear fairer and healthier works out lessons of value for those living in the present stage of this world's history, to be diligently studied by young men from the highest standpoint and proclaimed by every gospel minister as thrilling truths appropriate for this time.Lt 128, 1910, par. 7 They honored God in prosperity and adversity and were honored by Him in return, and Seventh-day Adventist institutions, especially sanitariums, are to be to the world what Daniel and his fellows were in Babylon, honoring God and serving as His representatives among a heathen people.STB 741.3+1 Daniel is set before canvassers as temperate to copy in self-culture and agreeable, kind, Christlike manners, together with being chaste like Joseph and meek like Moses, cultivating thoughtful, careful, industrious, discreet habits and making of themselves all they can become to honor God, and this temperance brings attending power wherever they go.MC 14.3–15.1 He and his companions are likewise set before students, teachers and health institutions as patterns in self-culture, industry and steadfastness, to elevate the soul, climb the educational ladder for God's honor and humanity's good, and to endure trial and acquire knowledge.MC 14.3–15.1+2 Their conduct in a foreign setting made them examples of faithfulness and reform, showing that those whose hearts are ruled by Christ are no losers by firm adherence to self-denial and can influence others in lasting ways.Lt 128, 1910, par. 7+2

Self-denying temperance in appetite through thorough cooperation with Jesus Christ gains victory over hereditary and cultivated tendencies, for appetites and passions are to be servants to the God-fearing man, not rulers over him.Lt 73, 1896, par. 39–42+1 The Christian is not to be enslaved by any hereditary or cultivated habit or tendency but is to rule the animal passions and control circumstances by an inwrought principle learned from Christ, after the pattern of Christ and John the Baptist in self-denial and self-sacrifice.Lt 73, 1896, par. 39–42 Their course cuts like a plowshare through hereditary and cultivated habits and through all circumstances and surroundings.Lt 73, 1896, par. 39–42 When grace is an abiding principle and Christ rules in the heart the reformation is outward as well as inward, with principles of righteousness issuing from the heart, giving strength of principle, power and ability to stand as faithful sentinels and true reformers.20MR 112.3–113.2+1 Then, like Daniel, such make an impression upon other hearts that will never be effaced, with influence carried to all parts of the world.20MR 112.3–113.2+1

The severe test that tried Daniel and the Hebrew captives in Babylon came after the careful training Daniel had received in his home in the hills of Judea, which prepared him to stand loyal to God under trial.Ms 110, 1904, par. 25–28 Youth in the last days need the same careful training because equally severe tests will come upon them, requiring willingness to sacrifice life itself rather than apostatize and break God's commandments.Ms 110, 1904, par. 25–28+1 This means remaining loyal especially to the seventh-day Sabbath of Eden and creation against the man-made spurious sabbath of idolatry.Ms 110, 1904, par. 25–28 Though surrounded with temptations on every hand, God set a hedge about the four Hebrew youth so they would not be corrupted, because they honored Him, preserved simplicity of faith and walked humbly with God, and heavenly intelligences cooperate with all who do so.Ms 15, 1896, par. 22 The experience is a lesson to heed in the perils of the last days by watching and praying and reading Daniel and Revelation.Ms 15, 1896, par. 22