Book of Daniel - Chapter 4 - Verse 27

The verse 'Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.' can be interpreted as an exhortation to a king to heed wise counsel and to turn away from sinful behavior. The advice given here is to seek righteousness by abandoning sinful practices and instead to show mercy and kindness to those in need, specifically the poor. By following this counsel, the king may experience a prolonging of peace and tranquillity in his kingdom. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of virtuous behavior and compassion towards others, as these actions can lead to blessings and favor from above.

In this verse, Daniel is advising King Nebuchadnezzar to live a righteous life and to show mercy to the poor in order to possibly prolong his peace and tranquility. This advice is rooted in theological principles that emphasize the importance of righteousness and compassion. The concept of breaking off sins by righteousness suggests that one can overcome sinful behavior by actively living a life of integrity and moral uprightness. Additionally, the act of showing mercy to the poor reflects the biblical mandate to care for the less fortunate and marginalized in society. By following these principles, the king may experience a lengthening of his tranquility, indicating that righteousness and compassion can lead to a sense of inner peace and stability. Through a theological interpretation of this verse, we can see the timeless wisdom it imparts about the benefits of living a virtuous and caring life.