17 As to these four lads, God hath given to them knowledge and understanding in every 'kind of' literature, and wisdom; and Daniel hath given instruction about every 'kind of' vision and dreams. 18 And at the end of the days that the king had said to bring them in, bring them in doth the chief of the eunuchs before Nebuchadnezzar. 19 And the king speaketh with them, and there hath none been found among them all like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, and they stand before the king; 20 and 'in' any matter of wisdom 'and' understanding that the king hath sought of them, he findeth them ten hands above all the scribes, the enchanters, who 'are' in all his kingdom. 21 And Daniel is unto the first year of Cyrus the king.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Daniel 1:17-21

Commentary on Daniel 1:17-21

(Read Daniel 1:17-21)

Daniel and his fellows kept to their religion; and God rewarded them with eminence in learning. Pious young persons should endeavour to do better than their fellows in useful things; not for the praise of man, but for the honour of the gospel, and that they may be qualified for usefulness. And it is well for a country, and for the honour of a prince, when he is able to judge who are best fitted to serve him, and prefers them on that account. Let young men steadily attend to this chapter; and let all remember that God will honour those who honour him, but those who despise him shall be lightly esteemed.