Nehemiah 5:9
Afrikaans DB 2006 (Die Boodskap)
“Dit is ’n onding wat julle doen!” het ek vir hulle gesê. “Julle is veronderstel om met groot respek teenoor julle God op te tree. Dan sal ons vyande, daardie mense wat nie die Here ken nie, geen rede hê om neer te sien op ons nie.
What Does This Mean?
Nehemiah is speaking and he is telling the people that it is wrong to treat others badly. He asks if they should not act with respect for God to avoid giving their enemies a reason to criticize them.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're playing with your friends and you see someone being mean to others. Nehemiah is like that friend, telling everyone to be nice because we want to make God proud and not give our enemies a chance to say bad things about us.
Historical Background
Nehemiah wrote this during his time as governor of Judah, around 445-433 BC. He is addressing the people of Jerusalem who were struggling with economic inequality and exploitation. The verse reflects the cultural importance of communal respect and the fear of external judgment.
Living It Out Today
Consider a scenario where a coworker is struggling financially and another coworker is taking advantage of the situation. Nehemiah's message here would remind us to treat everyone fairly and with respect to maintain our integrity and avoid giving others a reason to criticize our behavior.
Topics
justicerespectintegritycommunitygodly livingavoiding reproach
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Nehemiah addressing in this verse?
Nehemiah is addressing the people of Jerusalem who were mistreating each other during a time of economic hardship.
What does it mean to 'walk in the fear of our God'?
Walking in the fear of God means living in a way that honors God and shows respect for His commands and will.
Why is the reproach of the heathen mentioned?
The reproach of the heathen refers to the criticism from non-believers. Nehemiah wants to ensure that the behavior of the people does not give non-believers a reason to criticize their faith.
How does this verse relate to modern workplace ethics?
This verse can remind us to act with fairness and integrity in the workplace, avoiding actions that could harm others and reflecting poorly on our faith.