Ezekiel 28:3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Why do you elevate the insignificant matters when Daniel, who held immense value, intensified your lowliness?

There are variations among individuals in terms of wisdom. Daniel, in particular, exemplified exceptional wisdom, as indicated in the saying, "Who is wiser than Daniel?" (Ezekiel 28:3). Others may be wise in different manners, with Solomon standing out for his surpassing intelligence, which transcended that of all the ancients and the wise men of Egypt (1 Kings 4:29-31). There is a clear distinction between conventional wisdom and true wisdom. Those who possess ordinary wisdom are knowledgeable about earthly matters and tend to seek benefits for themselves, often taking from others for their own gain.

You are so distant from equating yourself with the divine nature of God that, as I have demonstrated, in various aspects you fall short even when compared to wise individuals. Daniel possessed both heavenly wisdom and the cleverness of the Chaldeans, yet you lack the grace bestowed by God as well as the shrewdness found in learned men. Following this observation, a reprimand concerning your actions is given.