In Nehemiah 5:14–16, Nehemiah contrasts his behaviour as governor with his predecessors in the role, describing how he refused to use his position to receive (or take) income. Conversely, in Nehemiah 5:17–18 he explained his generosity in his daily dining habits. Nehemiah 5:19 records a brief prayer in which Nehemiah lays these two aspects of his conduct before his God.
14 Moreover, from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes the king, twelve years, neither I nor my brothers ate the food allowance of the governor.