What does Daniel 5:17 mean?

Depending on how one interprets the dates involved, Daniel may have been eighty years old when he was called before Belshazzar (Daniel 5:11–12). That makes his words even more impressive. Such fearlessness can be attributed only to Daniel's confidence in God's power to protect him.

Daniel's nerve is demonstrated, first, by refusing the king's offer of reward. While this might be taken as a sign of loyalty and love, it was more likely seen as an act of separation. Centuries earlier, Abraham rescued his nephew Lot and others from Sodom who had been taken captive. When the king of Sodom offered to reward Abram, Abram flatly refused the offer. In fact, he made a point of saying he wanted no one to say he'd become rich thanks to a man like the king of Sodom (Genesis 14:22–24). Afterwards, the Lord appeared to Abram in a vision, and promised him a reward for his great faith (Genesis 15:1).

Courage is also shown in Daniel's firm confidence that he can explain the disturbing vision (Daniel 5:5). He shows no doubt in God's readiness to reveal the meaning of the handwriting. In fact, he speaks as someone who already knows what the incident means. Daniel's nerve will extend to what comes next: a direct, thorough criticism of Belshazzar's arrogance and dishonor (Daniel 5:23).