⁴ youths in whom there was ^(A)no impairment, who were good-looking, suitable for ^(B)instruction in every kind of expertise, endowed with understanding and discerning knowledge, and who had ability to ^[a]serve in the king’s ^[b]court; and he ordered Ashpenaz to teach them the ^[c]literature and ^(C)language of the ^(D)Chaldeans.

Daniel’s Resolve

⁸ But Daniel ^[a]made up his mind that he would not ^(A)defile himself with the ^(B)king’s choice food or with the ^(C)wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself. ⁹ Now God granted Daniel ^(D)favor and compassion in the sight of the commander of the officials.

¹⁷ And as for these four youths, ^(A)God gave them knowledge and intelligence in every kind of ^[a]literature and expertise; Daniel even understood all kinds of ^(B)visions and dreams.