16 Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work.
16 I also persevered in the work on this wall, and we acquired no land, and all my servants were gathered there for the work.
16 I had work to do; I worked on this wall. All my men were on the job to do the work. We didn't have time to line our own pockets.
16 Indeed, I also continued the work on this wall, and we did not buy any land. All my servants were gathered there for the work.
16 I also devoted myself to working on the wall and refused to acquire any land. And I required all my servants to spend time working on the wall.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:16
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.