14 Also, from the day that he appointed me to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the thirty and second year of Artaxerxes the king—twelve years—I, and my brethren, the bread of the governor have not eaten: 15 the former governors who 'are' before me have made themselves heavy on the people, and take of them in bread and wine, besides in silver forty shekels; also, their servants have ruled over the people—and I have not done so, because of the fear of God. 16 And also, in the work of this wall I have done mightily, even a field we have not bought, and all my servants are gathered there for the work; 17 and of the Jews, and of the prefects, a hundred and fifty men, and those coming in unto us of the nations that 'are' round about us, 'are' at my table; 18 and that which hath been prepared for one day 'is' one ox, six fat sheep, also fowls have been prepared for me, and once in ten days of all wines abundantly, and with this, the bread of the governor I have not sought, for heavy is the service on this people. 19 Remember for me, O my God, for good, all that I have done for this people.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:14-19
Commentary on Nehemiah 5:14-19
(Read Nehemiah 5:14-19)
Those who truly fear God, will not dare to do any thing cruel or unjust. Let all who are in public places remember that they are so placed to do good, not to enrich themselves. Nehemiah mentions it to God in prayer, not as if he had merited any favour from God, but to show that he depended upon God only, to make up to him what he had lost and laid out for his honour. Nehemiah evidently spake and acted as one that knew himself to be a sinner. He did not mean to claim a reward as of debt, but in the manner that the Lord rewards a cup of cold water given to a disciple for his sake. The fear and love of God in the heart, and true love of the brethren, will lead to every good work. These are proper evidences of justifying faith; and our reconciled God will look upon persons of this character for good, according to all they have done for his people.