Nehemiah 5:14–19 - 14 Moreover, from the day that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of King Artaxerxes, for twelve years, neither I nor my kinsmen have eaten the governor’s food allowance. 15 But the former governors who were before me laid burdens on the people and took from them bread and wine besides forty shekels of silver; even their servants domineered the people. But I did not do so because of the fear of God. 16 I also applied myself to the work on this wall; we did not buy any land, and all my servants were gathered there for the work. 17 Moreover, there were at my table one hundred and fifty Jews and officials, besides those who came to us from the nations that were around us. 18 Now that which was prepared for each day was one ox and six choice sheep, also birds were prepared for me; and once in ten days all sorts of wine were furnished in abundance. Yet for all this I did not demand the governor’s food allowance, because the servitude was heavy on this people. 19 Remember me, O my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.
What does today’s passage say?
In today's passage, Nehemiah describes how during his 12 years as governor he did not burden the people by demanding food and other governor’s privileges (vv. 14-16). Though entitled to those benefits, he declined them because the people were already bearing heavy burdens rebuilding the walls. Out of compassion and integrity, Nehemiah sacrificed privileges owed him to relieve the people's hardship. Additionally, he generously hosted many visitors who came to Jerusalem at his own expense, providing food from his table daily (vv. 17-18). Nehemiah explains he did this because he feared God rather than exploiting his position for personal gain. Finally, Nehemiah asks the Lord to view his actions favorably, acknowledging God as the source of his strength and provision to lead sacrificially (v. 19).
How can I apply Nehemiah 5:14-19 to my life?
Nehemiah continues to exemplify selfless, godly leadership. Though fully entitled to benefits as governor, Nehemiah puts meeting the needs of the suffering people ahead of claiming privileges for himself. He generously opens his table to visitors rather than hoarding resources. And he acknowledges that all provision and empowerment flow from the Lord's hand, not personal status. Through Nehemiah's poignant example, key leadership principles emerge that remain applicable today. These include steadfast integrity even during hardship, resisting the temptation to abuse power or wealth for self-gain, trusting God alone as Provider, and tenaciously seeking the Lord's favor. Nehemiah's godly approach to leadership makes personal sacrifices to alleviate urgent needs among the people. His unwavering dependence on the Lord rather than position or prosperity frees him to lead compassionately and share abundantly. As we uncover the generous spirit, discerning wisdom, and tenacious God-reliance Nehemiah exhibits even amid severe trials, this passage challenges today's leaders to wholly anchor themselves in biblical values. Here are some basic principles from this passage that we should apply to our lives:
1. Lead with Integrity Even in Difficult Seasons (vv. 14-16): Nehemiah set aside privileges due him as governor because the people were in such hardship. His integrity shone as he put meeting their needs above claiming his own rights or comforts. Likewise, godly leaders live with conviction and care more about responsibly serving those they lead than personal benefits. When facing trials or pushback, it takes integrity to stand firm in acting justly and compassionately on behalf of others. We follow Nehemiah's model by grounding leadership not in selfishness but in selflessness and stewarding our influence faithfully. This means adhering closely to biblical principles and values while attentively addressing people's pressing needs. Part of leading with integrity means resisting the temptation to use power or position for personal advantage, gain, or comfort. As Nehemiah did, leaders can demonstrate sacrifice by giving up certain privileges that set them above others. This posture of humility allows leaders to better identify with those they oversee. Serving others often costs us personally. But we must filter decisions through the lens of scriptural wisdom and compassionate care, not self-interest. If maintaining integrity requires difficult choices, we can take courage from Nehemiah’s uncompromising example. Our willingness to stand firm in acting rightly and justly will earn trust and respect (Philippians 2:3-4, 1 Peter 5:1-4, James 1:27).
Food for thought: When have you put serving others above claiming your own rights? What policies or practices could you implement to strengthen integrity in leadership?
2. Trust God Rather Than Position or Wealth for Provision (vv. 17-18): Though Nehemiah was governor, he did not exploit his position for personal gain. Instead, he generously provided food from his own table to many visitors. He did this by relying on God rather than his own wealth or status. For believers, our ultimate Provider is God, not any worldly resource or standing. Like Nehemiah, leaders especially must model steadfast dependence on God above all else. Rather than misuse authority to amass comforts or wealth, we are called to steward influence and resources faithfully as God intended. Scripture warns against loving money or striving after possessions as a priority. As leaders, if we hoard financial gain, privileges, or power while ignoring people’s needs, we fail in godly stewardship. Nehemiah’s example shows provision comes from God’s hands, not self-promotion or entitlement. He trusted God would sustain him as he selflessly gave of his own personal means to care for others. We too must look first to God as our source, not chasing promotion, wealth or advantage over those we lead. Like Nehemiah, we can then freely share the overflow of God’s blessing rather than exploiting position for gain. Leadership rooted in loving God resists seeking worldly status, influence, or wealth as most important. Instead, it models humble generosity and compassion while fully depending on God’s faithful provision (Matthew 6:31-33, 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, 1 Timothy 6:6-10).
Food for thought: Do you depend on God or earthly means most for meeting needs? How can leaders root identity and security in God’s care rather than worldly wealth/status?
3. Seek God’s Favor in all that You Do (v. 19): Nehemiah recognized that all he accomplished ultimately came through God’s gracious empowerment rather than his own ability or position. So, he was careful to humbly ask for and acknowledge God’s favor at every step. As leaders, we too need to rely on the blessing and help that only God can provide. No amount of skill, resources, or effort will succeed without the Lord’s enabling. Like Nehemiah, seeking God’s favor needs to permeate everything we do rather than just being an afterthought. This starts with consistently pursuing a close relationship with Him through prayer, worship, and obedience. It continues by acknowledging our complete dependence on Him before undertaking any responsibility or task. And it culminates by ascribing any and all fruitfulness, progress, or success back to the Lord working through us in grace. As leaders, it can be tempting to embrace self-reliance, take credit for results achieved, or rely on worldly status, experience, or resources to influence others. But striving in our own strength leads only to spiritual lack and emptiness. Nehemiah understood that lasting fruitfulness came not through his capable leadership or position but through walking closely with God. If we wish to lead effectively as God desires, we must mimic Nehemiah’s posture of humble dependence, not relying on self but seeking the Lord’s favor in all things. This type of God-reliance understands that every provision comes from His hand and every accomplishment flows from His gracious enablement. Our role is simply to remain faithful, available, and teachable through which God chooses to work. By continually seeking and acknowledging His empowering favor as central to everything we do as leaders, He receives the glory while profoundly expanding our capacity to serve those under our care with wisdom, compassion, justice, and transforming effect (Proverbs 3:5-6, Zechariah 4:6b, James 4:6-10).
Food for Thought: Do you most often credit your accomplishments to self or to God’s gracious enablement? How can leaders nurture a lifestyle of daily depending on the Lord rather than self-reliance?
Through Nehemiah's compelling example, we see key principles that should mark all godly leadership. As we walk closely with God in full dependence on His favor and empowerment, we must lead with integrity, faithfulness, and compassion even in hard times. This means resisting temptation to exploit position or influence for personal advantage or comfort. True leaders sacrifice self-interest to alleviate urgent needs among those they oversee, as Nehemiah's generosity shows. They also refuse to misuse authority to amass wealth or status, instead anchoring their identity in Christ and trusting God as Provider. Additionally, godly leaders acknowledge that all fruitfulness and accomplishments ultimately come through the Lord's gracious enablement, not self-effort. As Nehemiah's leadership makes clear, our role is simply to remain available for God to work through as He chooses. By continually seeking His wisdom, help, and favor at each step, He receives all the glory while expanding our capacity to lead with care, justice and Christlike virtue. May Nehemiah's beautiful posture of humility, selflessness, and complete God-reliance mark our own leadership endeavors.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray that You would grow in me a steadfast commitment to lead with the integrity, faithfulness, and compassion Nehemiah demonstrated. Empower me to resist misusing any influence or resources for personal comfort or gain. Help me willingly sacrifice my own rights and privileges when needed to alleviate pressing needs around me. Instill in me a wholehearted trust that You alone are my Provider, not any worldly wealth or status I may attain. I pray that You would block any temptation to exploit position, influence, or means I might have to promote myself. As I lead, may I point only to You as the giver of every good thing. Continually deepen my relationship with You so that I depend wholly on Your gracious enablement to accomplish anything of value and remind me often that any fruitfulness or progress comes through Your hand of favor upon me, not my own effort. As You work through me, may You receive all the honor, praise, and glory.
I pray these things in the most precious name of Jesus, Amen.
Nehemiah 5:19 – “Remember me, O my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.”
With His Blessings,
Pastor Corby
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