"Hearken unto me, ye that know A righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings. For ... my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation" (Isa. 51:7, 8). This comforting message from God is recorded by Isaiah, a prophet of great wisdom and broad experience.
Today, as in a past century when Isaiah walked the earth, evil, through certain elements of human thought, presents the argument that it is entrenched in the experience of individuals and nations. But this is not so. Neither individuals nor nations are obliged to accept such an unenlightened viewpoint. In the record of the human race there are numbers of instances which prove that the boast that evil is entrenched or is in control is but an aggressive mental suggestion, which always disappears when confronted by the qualities of moral courage, unselfishness, and integrity of purpose. The Bible contains many proofs of this truism. For instance, consider the case of Daniel, who found himself serving in public office under King Darius in the fifth century B. C.
Daniel was of upright, honest character, and he was deeply religious. He was also outstanding for his alertness and his intelligent grasp of the needs of the nation in which he lived. He was also experienced in public work, having served as an official under both King Nebuchadnezzar and King Belshazzar, before King Darius came to the throne. Daniel's reputation was spotless, and he enjoyed the confidence of Darius to such marked degree that the king planned to elevate him to the highest position in the country. Daniel's progress in official life, as well as his unquestioned honesty and freedom from corruption, was a result of his concept of God. His practice of his understanding of God as the one authority had stirred the errors of envy and hatred in the thoughts of the officials surrounding him, and they determined to be rid of Daniel.
