For months, Nehemiah led the project of rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls in spite of constant opposition, both subtle and overt. As the walls neared completion (Nehemiah 6:1), threatening foes once again assailed this leader. But this time the attack was much more insidious than before—the enemy attempted to intimidate Nehemiah through several frightening plots.

The world says our main goal should be getting what we want. And if we have to sin in order to do so, that’s OK. But the reality is getting what you want can leave a wake of victims. Sin always has consequences.

It’s probably true that most North Americans have at least six copies of the Bible in their possession—and that doesn’t count digital copies! We’re blessed with the freedom to read and own the Bible, but often we take the Bible for granted. Why not read through the Bible this year?

The first 13 verses of Nehemiah 5 shine a spotlight on a dismal financial fiasco involving the workers. This problem caused the project to grind to a temporary halt while their leader guided them to a godly solution. Though our own tasks today are different, problems and difficulties will surely find us, and wise leaders will need to know how to handle them.