Chapter 387 of 1163

NEHEMIAH 5

Now the enemy attacks from inside the nation, and Nehemiah must deal with selfishness and greed among his people. The wealthier Jews took advantage of the famine and economic crisis to exploit their own people (Hag. 1:7–11). How did Nehemiah respond?

Anger (6). There is a righteous anger against sin that itself is not sinful (Eph. 4:26). Although it is difficult not to get angry with people, we must try to focus on what they do rather than who they are. (See Exod. 32:19; Mark 3:5.) A person who lacks anger may also lack conviction and courage.

Deliberation (7). It was not Nehemiah’s practice to exercise leadership without first thinking things through (Prov. 18:13; 29:22). No doubt he also prayed for God’s wisdom.

Resolution (7–13). Once he decided what to do, he did it! He appealed to their love (“brother” in v. 7) and their devotion to the Word of God (Exod. 22:25). He reminded them of the fear of God and their witness to the enemy (v. 9).

Example (14–19). Had Nehemiah not been an unselfish and sacrificing man, he could not have appealed as he did (Matt. 7:1–5). He had helped the people generously and did not take advantage of his position as governor. A clear conscience is a mighty weapon in God’s hands.

“It is easy to fly into a passion—anybody can do that—but to be angry with the right person to the right extent and at the right time and with the right object and in the right way—that is not easy, and it is not everyone who can do it.”

Aristotle

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