Matthew Henry Commentary Daniel 1:8-16

"But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king`s dainties, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. Now God made Daniel to find kindness and compassion in the sight of the prince of the eunuchs. And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your food and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse looking than the youths that are of your own age? so would ye endanger my head with the king. Then said Daniel to the steward whom the prince of the eunuchs had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the youths that eat of the king`s dainties; and as thou seest, deal with thy servants. So he hearkened unto them in this matter, and proved them ten days. And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer, and they were fatter in flesh, than all the youths that did eat of the king`s dainties. So the steward took away their dainties, and the wine that they should drink, and gave them pulse." — Daniel 1:8-16 (ASV)

The advantages we believe we create for ourselves, we must acknowledge as God's gift. Daniel remained steadfast in his religion. Whatever they called him, he still held fast to the spirit of an Israelite. These young men had scruples about the meat, for fear it might be sinful.

When God's people are in Babylon, they need to take special care that they do not partake of her sins. It is greatly to the credit of young people not to covet or seek sensual pleasures. Those who wish to excel in wisdom and piety must learn early in life to discipline the body.

Daniel avoided defiling himself with sin, and we should fear that more than any outward trouble. It is easier to keep temptation at a distance than to resist it when it is near. And we cannot make better use of any favor we have found with others than by using that influence to keep us from sin.

People often do not believe the benefits of avoiding excess and maintaining a simple diet. They may not realize how much these practices contribute to the health of the body unless they try them. Conscientious temperance will always do more, even for the comfort of this life, than sinful indulgence.