Read Daniel 2:24-30

“But as for me, this secret has not been revealed to me because I have more wisdom than anyone living, but for our sakes who make known the interpretation to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your heart.” (Daniel 2:30)

What a scene! King Nebuchadnezzar, who was a vile and impulsive king, received a troubling dream from God which he knew had significance. But he did not know what it meant. So he exhausted his search for someone who could interpret his dream for him. All of the magicians, the astrologers, the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans were summoned to appear before the king and offer him an explanation.

And here their own folly and dishonesty would come to light, for none of the “wise men” were truly wise! They were con artists seeking the glory of men in their own self-proclaimed wisdom. But now their “wisdom” was about to be put to a radical test with severe consequences: death or honor.

“The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, “My decision is firm: if you do not make known the dream to me, and its interpretation, you shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made an ash heap. However, if you tell the dream and its interpretation, you shall receive from me gifts, rewards, and great honor. Therefore tell me the dream and its interpretation.”” (Daniel 2:5–6)

These so-called wise men were beside themselves. How could the king demand such an impossible request? Naturally, they couldn’t answer him, and this leads Nebuchadnezzar to begin killing off all of the wise men out of anger. Like I said, impulsive.

But not all were a counterfeit. In the grand assembly of them were hidden four genuine wise men, like gleaming diamonds among the ordinary rocks, for their hearts glowed with adoration for the One True and Living God. The fountain of their wisdom was not of this earth, but from above where God dwells. Their names were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. We know Daniel’s companions by their Babylonian names: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego.

Together, these four wise men, all nothing but mere youth (see Daniel 1:3-6; Matthew 21:16), sought the mercy of the Lord and His wisdom, so that they could escape the execution issued by Nebuchadnezzar. God honored their plea.

“Then the secret was revealed to Daniel in a night vision. So Daniel blessed the God of heaven.” (Daniel 2:19)

Can you imagine receiving a direct revelation from God of what another man dreamt — let alone a king — and even more, what the dream meant? Surely, it was a moment ripe for the servant of God, Daniel, to proclaim his superiority amongst the other wise men. What an opportunity for Daniel to honor himself as the greatest of all. To think of all the riches and glory and fame he had right at his fingertips. And yet, how is it that Daniel had such humility? When the opportunity presented itself to be conceited in his own wisdom, we see instead, a demonstration of self-denial. Daniel not only refuses to take the mantle of honor, but astonishingly aligns himself with commonness of humanity! Take note of Daniel’s words:

“But as for me, this secret has not been revealed to me because I have more wisdom than anyone living...” (Daniel 2:30)

Ah, Beloved, there are far too many principles for us to learn from this act of humility. How can we even begin to list them all? I must limit them to three.

First — we must observe that there is no wisdom outside of God’s wisdom! A man may consider himself wise in his own eyes, but ironically, that man is more foolish than a fool.

“Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” (Proverbs 26:12)

Wisdom belongs to God and God alone! — and He gives it to those who fear Him and humbly ask (see Proverbs 2:6; 9:10; James 1:5). Therefore, if we want to be truly wise, let us pursue after God! Is not His Book a treasure trove of wisdom? Does not Christ have hidden within Himself all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge? (see Colossians 2:3)

Second, we must take note of the fact that there is no hope for wisdom where there is pride. Wisdom dwells in the peaceful habitation of humility, not in the scorched wilderness of pride. Humble people do wise things. Prideful people do stupid things. You can go to the bank with that! Therefore, to be wise let us be humble. Let us humble ourselves in the sight of God, just as Daniel did.

“Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard...” (Daniel 10:12)

“Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” (1 Corinthians 1:25)

Third, may we always and forever honor God for any wisdom we have been graciously given. Do not be flattered by the words of others who consider you wise, but as Daniel, say, “I do not have more wisdom than anyone else. It is God in Heaven who reveals secrets.”

What a wonder that God has chosen to reveal His heavenly wisdom to you and I, ordinary people! Should He not, therefore, receive all glory and honor and praise? Yes, Beloved, He most certainly should!

“But God has revealed [His wisdom] to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God... now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual... [because] we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:10, 12–13, 16)