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.