God Gives Wisdom and God Gives Kings
[17] Then Daniel went to his house and made the matter known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, [18] and told them to seek mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his companions might not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. [19] Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. [20] Daniel answered and said:
“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. [21] He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; [22] he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him. [23] To you, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, for you have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of you, for you have made known to us the king’s matter.” Daniel 2:17–23 ESV
There is a cause and effect going on here that makes me really appreciate Daniel. When all of the lives of the wise men are at stake, Daniel doesn’t throw them under the bus. He seeks mercy from God so that they will all be saved! He doesn’t say anything negative about the crazy king that makes unfair demands; he doesn’t degrade the other wise men that can’t come up with an answer.
All of that flows out of what he knows about God. His faith shows in his prayer of gratitude after God tells him the answer to this impossible question. Knowing that it is God that sets up kings and gives wisdom to the wise, Daniel won’t curse God for Nebuchadnezzar’s unfair questions. He doesn’t curse the other wisemen who have failed, either. He recognizes that knowledge and wisdom come from God to people with discernment.
God still pours out wisdom today. James 1:5 says If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. God loves to give us wisdom, no matter who we are, because all wisdom leads to Him.