Nehemiah’s Example

• The rich’s exploitation of the poor directly defied Scripture and disregarded one another (5:1-5; cf. Dt. 23:19-20).
• When rightfully angered, Nehemiah composed himself and confronted those in the wrong (5:6-8).
• The tragedy was that God’s people looked no different from those who didn’t know Him (5:9-11).
• The people understood that God saw how they interacted with one another and took it personally (5:12-13).
• Nehemiah’s fear of God prohibited him from taking advantage of others (5:14-15).
• God blessed Nehemiah with great wealth with which he would bless others (5:16-18).
• Nehemiah’s awareness of God’s observation helped him determine his choices (5:19).

Our Response

• If you can help others while maintaining your integrity, it’s not wrong to enjoy the blessings God provides.
• Be passionate about opposing injustice and embodying generosity. 
• Having the approval of God is better than all this world has to offer.

When we fail to help each other, we misdirect the blessings of God.