Nehemiah Stands Up for Justice

The wall of Jerusalem was rising higher day by day as the people worked together, carrying stones and spreading mortar. But some families in the city were not happy. They did not have enough food, and even their fields and houses had been mortgaged. The people came weeping to Nehemiah for help. Nehemiah listened carefully to every word, and his heart was deeply sad and angry. How could God's people treat one another this way? After thinking carefully, he decided to set things right with justice. The next day, Nehemiah called the wealthy nobles and rulers. With a gentle but firm voice he said, "What you are doing is not right! You should not take from brothers and sisters who are already poor." Then he called a great assembly and asked the rulers to give back the houses and fields they had taken and to care for one another. The rulers bowed their heads, promised to return everything, and made their promise before God. Later, they kept their word and gave back homes, gardens, and food, and the children smiled again. Nehemiah also set a beautiful example. Though he was governor, he did not take the salary due him. Instead, he used his own food to invite many people to eat at his table. People in the city began helping one another; rich and poor worked shoulder to shoulder on the wall, neighbors shared food, and children played together. This story tells us that a true leader listens to people's pain, uses God's justice to correct wrongs, and first sets a humble, unselfish example. When people treat one another with fairness and kindness, the wall becomes strong, and the goodness and justice in their hearts become even stronger.