14 So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days.
14 So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.
14 So he listened to them in this matter, and tested them for ten days.
14 The steward agreed to do it and fed them vegetables and water for ten days.
14 So he consented with them in this matter, and tested them ten days.
14 The attendant agreed to Daniel's suggestion and tested them for ten days.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Daniel 1:14
Commentary on Daniel 1:8-16
(Read Daniel 1:8-16)
The interest we think we make for ourselves, we must acknowledge to be God's gift. Daniel was still firm to his religion. Whatever they called him, he still held fast the spirit of an Israelite. These youths scrupled concerning the meat, lest it should be sinful. When God's people are in Babylon they need take special care that they partake not of her sins. It is much to the praise of young people, not to covet or seek the delights of sense. Those who would excel in wisdom and piety, must learn betimes to keep the body under. Daniel avoided defiling himself with sin; and we should more fear that than any outward trouble. It is easier to keep temptation at a distance, than to resist it when near. And we cannot better improve our interest in any with whom we have found favour, than to use it to keep us from sin. People will not believe the benefit of avoiding excess, and of a spare diet, nor how much they contribute to the health of the body, unless they try. Conscientious temperance will always do more, even for the comfort of this life, than sinful indulgence.