Dan 2:5 The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, The thing is gone from me: if ye will not make known unto me the dream, with the interpretation thereof, ye shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made a dunghill.

King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream. Though he could not recall what the dream was, yet he was much troubled by it and could not sleep as a result. In his perplexity, he summoned his wise men--"the magicians, and the astrologers, and the sorcerers"--and besought their help to reveal and interpret the dream. The wise men responded that he should first tell them what the dream was before they could interpret it. The king was angry with their response. Why? Because the wise men had always claimed to know the secrets of the gods, interpret dreams, and tell the future. Hence, this wasn't an unreasonable request from the King. However they couldn't do it and complained that the King was being unreasonable and this threw Nebuchadnezzar into a fury and he ordered them all killed! (vs 1-12).

Do you think King Nebuchadnezzar was being unreasonable?

“Unreasonable” means “not reasonable or rational; acting at variance with or contrary to reason; not guided by reason or sound judgment; irrational; not in accordance with practical realities, as attitude or behaviour” (Dictiomary.com).

Are you a reasonable person? Of course, you will say you are. Have you come across an unreasonable person? Obviously, most of us would have.

Nebuchadnezzar’s request can be classified as unreasonable. It is unreasonable to expect someone else to reveal a dream which he could not recall it himself. And it is unreasonable to punish the wise men for not able to do it. It is simply not fair to them, even if you are a king.

How do you deal with Nebuchadnezzar’s unreasonable request? No use getting angry or argue with him because he is the king (your boss). Many times, bosses and managers have made unreasonable demands from their workers. I’m sure you have met at least one in your lifetime. So, how should we deal with unreasonable bosses? Well, let’s see how Daniel dealt with this unreasonable king!

Let us learn from Daniel’s approach.

1. MORE TIME. Daniel requested for more time (vs 16). Nebuchadnezzar wanted the answer immediately; that’s unreasonable. Just ask your boss for more time. Our Lord says: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Matthew 7:7). There is no harm in asking. Just ask!

2. EXPLAIN. Daniel told the king that the thing he wanted could not be done by any human being (vs 27). Never tell your boss it cannot be done because you are employed to solve ALL his problems. You must tell him it can be done and you explain to him the many procedures that are needed and therefore you need more time. This will show your boss you know your stuff. Any reasonable person will grant you your request and your boss will feel obliged to accede to your request. Proverbs 16:7 says: “When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.”

3. GET HELP. Daniel went to his three friends (vs 17). Don’t try to be a hero and do all things by yourself; your colleagues are there for a purpose. You need each other and you must help each other: “But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you” (1 Corinthians 12:20-21).

4. PRAY. Daniel and his friends brought their problem to God (vs 18). They trusted in God. They knew only God could help them. When you have an unreasonable boss, PRAY! Solomon says: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

I’m not a management guru but I believe in the Bible principles. God always gives the best counsel. Praying to God is important, but God expects you to do something too, and not just dump the whole thing in His lap. We see Daniel enlisted prayer partners (vs 18). Prayer partners, whether in the mission field, at work, or at home are a source of great spiritual power. Our Lord assures us that: if two or three gather together and pray in His name, He will be with them (Matthew 18:20).

And, finally: “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Seek God’s help and apply the Bible principles when you encounter an unreasonable person.

Jimmy Lau

Psa 119:97  Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.