Daniel, who was blessed with "knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom" (Dan. 1:17), rose to a favored status in Nebuchadnezzar's court, where he had been taken as a young man after Babylonia's seige of Jerusalem.

Daniel was recognized as one who had been blessed with the power of the Lord. One example of how he was called upon to use that power is found in the fifth chapter of Daniel.Belshazzar, who succeeded Nebuchadnezzar as king, was drunk with his wealth and power when, during what must have been worldly revelry, he sent for the sacred vessles that had been taken from the temple in Jerusalem when Nebuchadnezzar captured that city. Belshazzar and his associates then desecrated the golden and silver vessels by drinking wine from them.

The Lord was displeased. He caused the "fingers of a man's hand" (Dan. 5:5) to write some words on the wall, which frightened Belshazzar so much that "his knees smote one against another." (Dan. 5:6.) When the astrologers, Chaldeans and soothsayers were unable to interpret the writing, the king sent for all the wise men of Babylon and offered a great reward to anyone who could read the writing.

When no one could interpret the writing, the queen said to Belshazzar, "There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods was found in him . . .. " (Dan. 5:11.)

The king sent for that man, Daniel. The prophet let the king know the Lord's displeasure with him was so great that his life would be taken. (Dan. 5:20-30.)

In his October 1985 general conference address, Elder L. Tom Perry of the Council of the Twelve said: "This story has always been interesting to me because those at the party had to send for Daniel. Even though he was one of the most prestigious of all the wise men, he did not attend such an event. He would not permit himself to be present in such evil and worldly surroundings. . . . He had separated himself from the evil environment which could only fill his mind with unrighteous thoughts and actions.

" . . . Be strong as Daniel in keeping distance between yourself and the evil practices and places of the world. Don't let the wrong kinds of books, pictures and other reading material be near you to tempt you to take even the slightest glance. Such materials can intoxicate and destroy your mind just as surely as liquor and drugs can intoxicate and destroy your body.

"Have the courage to turn off unfit television programs, and stay away from movies and videotapes that would fill your mind with thoughts of evil and violence. Remember, the scripture has said, `For as [a manT thinketh in his heart, so is he.' (Prov. 23:7.)"

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(ADDITIONAL INFORMATION)

Articles on this page may be used in conjunction with the Gospel Doctrine course of study.

Information compiled by Gerry Avant

Sources: The Voice of Israel's Prophets, by Sidney B. Sperry; October 1985 and October 1986 general conference reports.