Nehemiah’s personal conduct parallels that of the Apostle Paul. Though as governor he had a right to be supplied by the people, he would not make himself chargeable to them (Neh. 5:14-15). “If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ” (1 Cor. 9:11-13). Nehemiah walked in the fear of God; to avail himself of the privileges that his position could have demanded would have been a stumbling block to the people. Paul, likewise, would not take from the people lest the gospel should be hindered. How could Nehemiah live in riches when his brethren suffered depravation? “For all this required not I the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people” (Neh. 5:18). Instead, Nehemiah labored right there beside his brethren, building up the wall (Neh. 5:16).
The Corinthians reigned as kings, but it is not now the time to reign — there is a coming day for that: “ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you” (1 Cor. 4:8). Sadly in Christendom today, we see open and bold solicitations for money, and temporal rewards are viewed as God’s blessing. Peter’s warnings are very true: “through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you” (2 Pet. 2:3). How unlike Nehemiah, who waited upon God for his blessing and recompense: “Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people” (Neh. 5:19).