Daniel 1:8-20

8But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s food, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 9Now God had brought Daniel into favour and compassion with the prince of the eunuchs. 10And the prince of the eunuchs said to 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 children who are of your age? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king.12 11Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,3 12Test thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us vegetables to eat, and water to drink.45 13Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king’s food: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants. 14So he consented to them in this matter, and tried them ten days. 15And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children who ate the portion of the king’s food. 16Thus Melzar took away the portion of their food, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them vegetables.

17As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.6 18Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. 19And the king talked with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore they stood before the king. 20And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.7