11 And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in.
11 But I said, "Should a man like me run away? Or should someone like me go into the temple to save his life? I will not go!"
11 But I said, "Should such a man as I run away? And what man such as I could go into the temple and live?
11 I said, "Why would a man like me run for cover? And why would a man like me use The Temple as a hideout? I won't do it."
11 And I said, "Should such a man as I flee? And who is there such as I who would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in!"
11 But I replied, "Should someone in my position run from danger? Should someone in my position enter the Temple to save his life? No, I won't do it!"
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:11
Commentary on Nehemiah 6:10-14
(Read Nehemiah 6:10-14)
The greatest mischief our enemies can do us, is, to frighten us from our duty, and to lead us to do what is sinful. Let us never decline a good work, never do a bad one. We ought to try all advice, and to reject what is contrary to the word of God. Every man should study to be consistent. Should I, a professed Christian, called to be a saint, a child of God, a member of Christ, a temple of the Holy Ghost, should I be covetous, sensual, proud, or envious? Should I yield to impatience, discontent, or anger? Should I be slothful, unbelieving, or unmerciful? What effects will such conduct have upon others? All that God has done for us, or by us, or given to us, should lead us to watchfulness, self-denial, and diligence. Next to the sinfulness of sin, we should dread the scandal.