1. Nehemiah helps the poor (1-6)

Famine struck and revealed underlying social problems. The rich nobles loaned money to the poor at high interest and took their fields and children in repayment. The poor, especially the wives, cried out for justice. When Nehemiah heard the cries of the poor, his heart was filled with righteous anger. Moses' law forbade the Jews to sell their own people into slavery. (Ex 21:8) We also should respond to the cries of the poor and the injustices of our society with righteous anger. Jesus was poor.

2. Nehemiah challenges the nobles to fear God (7-13)

Nehemiah did not try to please the rich, but boldy rebuked them. Though what they did was legal for the times, it was a sin against God; it was heartless towards the poor; it defeated the social good being done by Jews rescuing other Jews from slavery; it was disgraceful. The nobles listened to Nehemiah, repented, and promised to give back what they had taken. Greed corrupts and destroys our good influence in the world. We must fear God, repent our greed, and do what is right.