The devil can attack from without but also from within. At a time of famine some of the people of God were suffering badly (v1-2), some having to mortgage their land or borrow money (v3-4) and others even having to sell their children as slaves (v5).

Part of the problem with this was that God’s people were not treating each other fairly and charging unfair interest in loans. Nehemiah responds with anger (v6) and confronts the guilty (v7-8).

When people mistreat others they have lost their fear of God at that time (v9). Returning to fear God will mean treating others in a right manner.

Nehemiah leads by example (v10) and calls on the others to act fairly (v11). The people agree to what Nehemiah calls for (v12) and he forcefully tells them of the seriousness of following through on this (v13).

Treating God’s people fairly is important for God’s people. God’s takes it seriously when we don’t show kindness. Are you treating God’s people fairly?

Nehemiah, in difficult times set an example by living more simply than how governors usually lived (v14-16). Nehemiah saw his position and possessions not to be used for his own selfish ends but rather for the good of others.

Nehemiah had 150 men at his table for a meal each day provided for by Nehemiah at his own expense (v17-18).