Walking in the Fear of God in All We Do

Nehemiah 5:9
“Then I said, ‘What you are doing is not good. Should you not walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the nations, our enemies?'”

Nehemiah’s words to the Jewish leaders remind us how powerful it is to walk in the fear of the Lord in every area of our lives. The Jewish leaders had been lending money at high-interest rates, and when people couldn’t pay, they were forced to sell their children into servitude. Nehemiah called them out for this injustice, pointing to the history of Jewish people who had already suffered under foreign oppression. Now, they were experiencing oppression from their own leaders! Nehemiah’s rebuke reminds us that if we genuinely fear God, it will impact how we treat others, especially in matters of justice and mercy.

“Should you not walk in the fear of our God?” Nehemiah asked. This question challenges us as much as it did the leaders in his time. Many of us may not be lending money or making deals, but we may face moments in business, family, or friendships where we must choose whether we act with integrity and respect for God’s ways. Nehemiah’s point is clear: just because we can do something does not mean it’s right in God’s eyes. When we walk in the fear of the Lord, we let His wisdom guide our actions, ensuring they honor Him and bless those around us.

Nehemiah wasn’t only interested in stopping wrongdoing; he called the leaders to make things right. They had to return what they’d taken unfairly. This is a powerful reminder that true repentance isn’t merely about feeling sorry but taking action to correct the wrong. As believers, we are called to pursue justice and righteousness, not just in our intentions but in our actions. God honors our willingness to set things right when we have acted unjustly, restoring relationships and helping us live at peace with one another.

This story also challenges us to examine our motivations. Nehemiah didn’t speak against earning a living; he spoke against profiting at others’ expense. Today, we are often tempted to make decisions based on financial gain alone, but if we neglect the fear of God, we risk putting money or success above righteousness. Nehemiah’s wisdom reminds us to be intentional, honest, and just in all that we do. Our witness as believers shines brightest when we reflect the love and justice of God in all our dealings.

PRAYER