Ellen Chat Conversation

Ellen White’s writings provide a clear and detailed account of Daniel’s decision regarding the alcoholic wine offered at the Babylonian court. She explains that Daniel and his companions were deeply concerned about how such substances would affect their ability to serve God and maintain their mental clarity. In her analysis of the biblical account, Ellen White notes that Daniel made a firm, internal commitment to remain faithful to his principles. She writes that "Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank" (PH036 4). This was not a casual choice; Daniel and his friends {{UNVERIFIED_START}}"canvassed the entire subject as to how they would improve the physical and mental powers by the use of wine" {{UNVERIFIED_END}} {{WARNING}}Reference could not be verified{{WARNING_END}}and ultimately "decided, was a snare" (4MR 126.1). Daniel’s refusal was based on his understanding of the physical and spiritual consequences of intemperance. Ellen White explains that: * **Health and Mental Clarity:** Even as a young man, Daniel "had seen the injurious effects of wine and luxurious living upon physical and mental health" (CD 31.2). He understood that fermented liquor would cloud his judgment. * **Historical Warnings:** Daniel was familiar with the history of Nadab and Abihu, who {{UNVERIFIED_START}}"by the constant use of wine... had become addicted to the liquor habit" {{UNVERIFIED_END}} {{WARNING}}Reference could not be verified{{WARNING_END}}and "confused their senses" to the point that they could no longer distinguish between the sacred and the common (YI June 4, 1903, par. 3). * **The Nature of the Wine:** While the king offered fermented liquor, Ellen White clarifies that God forbids the use of such drinks because "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise" (SJ 53.3). For practical application, Daniel’s example teaches that our physical habits directly impact our spiritual discernment. By choosing "simple food" and refusing the king's wine, Daniel ensured that his "physical and mental powers" remained sharp for God's service (SL 22.1). Her wisdom on this topic reminds us that Daniel did not drink the alcoholic wine of the king; instead, he chose a path of temperance that allowed God to bless him with superior wisdom and health. --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What were the results of the ten-day trial Daniel requested? • How does Ellen White distinguish between fermented wine and the "new wine" mentioned in the Bible? • What counsel did Ellen White give regarding the connection between diet and spiritual discernment?