Treasures From God’s Word for the Week of January 11-17, 2027

Theme: Jehovah Values Your Efforts to Do What Is Right

Doing what is right is not always easy. At times it means being different from those around us, turning down an attractive opportunity, or standing firm even when no one compliments us. In such moments, we may wonder whether anyone notices our efforts. Daniel’s example gives us a very encouraging answer: Jehovah does notice and values them. His life helps us understand what kind of reputation is worth cultivating and why we can continue doing what is right with joy.

To begin, let us think about what it means to have a good reputation with Jehovah. A person may receive praise for his abilities or for the position he holds. But Jehovah highlighted Daniel for something much more important: his righteousness. And he did so through another prophet, Ezekiel. Daniel was not speaking well of himself; Jehovah was presenting him as an example worthy of attention. Let us listen to how he mentioned him at Ezekiel 14:14, 20.

Ezekiel 14:14,20 — “‘Even if these three men—Noah, Daniel, and Job—were within it, they would be able to save only themselves because of their righteousness,’ declares the Sovereign Lord Jehovah.” even if Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, as surely as I am alive,’ declares the Sovereign Lord Jehovah, ‘they would save neither their sons nor their daughters; they would save only themselves because of their righteousness.’”

Jehovah placed Daniel alongside Noah and Job as an example of righteousness. What a demonstration of confidence! In addition, Daniel was still young when he received that recognition. The passage also makes clear that the righteousness of those men could not automatically save their children. Each person had his own responsibility before God. Therefore, what Jehovah valued in Daniel was not simply that he belonged to His people, but the kind of person he had personally chosen to be.

This invites us to think about our own reputation. It is a blessing to have family members and friends who love Jehovah, but no one can make the decision to obey him for us. We can ask ourselves: “What do my choices show about the person I want to be?” We do not need to draw attention to ourselves for Jehovah to see our conduct. He valued Daniel’s righteousness. But how had that young man cultivated such an excellent reputation in such a difficult environment?

Daniel had been separated from his parents and taken captive to Babylon. He may have been about twelve or thirteen years old. Suddenly, he found himself in a city full of idolatry and occultism, surrounded by people who did not obey Jehovah’s laws. In addition, the Babylonians despised the Jews and mocked their God. For a faithful young man, that must have been painful. Maintaining his convictions required much more than simply going along with those around him.

But not all the pressure came through ridicule. Daniel and his three companions, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, had been chosen to be trained for the king’s service. They received special attention and had opportunities that they probably never would have had in Israel. That situation could have seemed attractive. Daniel had to decide what would weigh more heavily: the advantages Babylon offered him or his friendship with Jehovah. His maturity would be seen, not only in what he knew, but in what he chose to do.

When the issue involving the king’s food arose, Daniel had already determined not to defile himself. He did not allow Babylon’s splendor to weaken his faith, nor did he want to draw close to false religion. That determination helps us understand why Jehovah pointed to him as an example of righteousness. Daniel did not merely say that he loved what was right. He demonstrated it by concrete decisions, even when obeying Jehovah set him apart from others and might have seemed inconvenient.

Young people can imitate that determination. At school, for example, they can think in advance about how they will respectfully explain a decision based on their beliefs. They can also take advantage of an appropriate opportunity to speak about Jehovah with a female or male classmate. They may feel nervous or fear an unfavorable reaction. But Daniel’s example reminds them that they do not have to wait until they are adults to demonstrate spiritual maturity. Their decisions now already have value to Jehovah.

Daniel also faced a subtler test: He had exceptional abilities and received special privileges. He could have become proud, convinced that he always knew more than others. However, he remained humble and modest, giving Jehovah the credit for his accomplishments. Thus, doing what is right involves more than rejecting something bad. It also means maintaining a proper attitude when things go well, when we receive praise, or when we are entrusted with responsibilities.

That lesson benefits all of us. If we have experience or some ability, we can ask ourselves: “Do I find it easy to accept suggestions? Do I recognize what I receive from Jehovah?” Daniel maintained his faith and obedience throughout his life. It was not just one courageous decision, but a consistent course of conduct. His good reputation was supported by his actions. And Jehovah not only observed that faithfulness; he also blessed Daniel and used him to accomplish important things.

By God’s favor, Daniel became a high official in Babylon and, later, in Medo-Persia. Perhaps Jehovah allowed him to hold those positions so that he could help His people. Think of the encouragement it must have given Ezekiel and the other Jewish captives to see Jehovah’s hand in all of this. Daniel was far from his homeland, but Jehovah had not forgotten him. His faithfulness was precious in God’s eyes.

We should not conclude that doing what is right will always bring a prominent position. The lesson is that Jehovah appreciates faithfulness and can use his servants in valuable ways. In Daniel’s case, that appreciation continued over the years: when he was nearly a hundred years old, an angel affectionately told him that God considered him very precious. But what assures us that our own efforts also please Jehovah? Let us read Proverbs 21:3.

Proverbs 21:3 — To do what is right and just Is more pleasing to Jehovah than a sacrifice.

This proverb helps us see what Jehovah considers most important. A sacrifice does not replace right and just conduct. Jehovah wants our worship to be accompanied by decisions that harmonize with his standards. Therefore, let us not think that only the tasks others can see count. Being honest when we could gain an advantage, treating someone justly, or remaining humble after receiving praise are practical ways to show that we want to please him.

So let us ask ourselves: “How does Jehovah feel when I strive to do what is right?” Proverbs allows us to answer with confidence: Our righteous conduct pleases him. Think of a decision that lies ahead, perhaps at school, at work, or at home. Instead of focusing only on the difficulty or on the reaction of others, let us remember the joy of pleasing Jehovah. That perspective can give us the strength to stand by our decision.

Daniel cultivated an excellent reputation with Jehovah, stood up for what was right from a young age, and received blessings that enabled him to be useful. His example encourages us to keep going, even when doing what is right is difficult and others do not understand our decisions. When we have to choose, let us remember whom we want to please. Our efforts do not go unnoticed by Jehovah. He knows the circumstances we face and values that, out of love for him, we choose to do what is right.

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