The Effect Of Early Training

It is well to remember the lesson taught in the training of trees you may bend the tree almost as you wish in its early life, but to bend it when its stem becomes strong and its fibre set is impossible. Whatever its shape it has become a fixture. So is it with the life, habits and character of human beings. If in youth the young Christian becomes wayward, wild and uncontrollable, and sets his will against the Lord's will, and against remonstrance and instruction of persons older and wiser than himself, he is on a course in which he will in due time become fixed and will exhibit in his ways and character the effects of self-will.

Daniel the prophet is one of the lovely examples of the effects of early training, and in later life he had a life and character so beautiful that he was beloved in heaven. At a time when Judah had almost entirely turned away from God, as we read in 2 Chronicles 38.13-17, this youth with others was taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar and carried to Babylon. There he might have given himself to pleasure and to the lusts of the flesh, but instead, the results of early teaching and of the fear of God in his heart led him with his companions, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, to request that they be relieved of the necessity of eating of the king's meat. Daniel had purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king's meat nor with the wine which he drank.

Daniel was an able young man, well favoured and without blemish. He was also skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understood science and was with others to be taught in the schools of Babylon the learning and tongue of the Chaldeans. These things did not lift him up in pride nor divert him from the true wisdom, for "the fear of the LORD, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding" (Job. 28.28), words from the oldest book in the Bible. He was a young man of purpose, but there was no domineering arrogance in his approach to the prince of the eunuchs. How wise he was, and with what carefulness he sought the gracious consideration of the prince of the eunuchs, that he might grant him his request, that he might not defile himself! He proposed that he should be tested and examination made at the end of ten days. The test was altogether satisfactory, and, later, when Daniel and his companions were examined on the point of their knowledge, they were found to be. ten times better than all magicians and enchanters in the realm of Nebuchadnezzar. The reason for this is 4early stated, "Now as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams" (Daniel 1.17).

Daniel bowed to God's will and walked in His ways, and there was compensation for his faithfulness in the knowledge and wisdom God gave him which promoted him in Babylon.

"She (wisdom) is more precious than rubies:

And none of the things thou

Canst desire are to be compared unto her.

Length of days is in her right hand;

In her left hand are riches and honour.

Her ways are ways of pleasantness,

And all her paths are peace" (Proverbs 3.15-17).

unknown | Mar 1952
For Young Believers