With these words Nehemiah explains his motive for his radically different approach to governing. He had mentioned the fear of God
in the previous paragraph (Nehemiah 5:9), recalling God’s identity as the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments
(Nehemiah 1:5). Since Israel’s covenant God is trustworthy to the point that his people are safe with him, they ought to fear (= reverence, respect) God so that they show the same love and mercy to one another as the Lord shows to them. Love for and trust in this God displays itself in love for and care for the neighbour.
15 The former governors who were before me laid heavy burdens on the people and took from them for their daily ration forty shekels of silver. Even their servants lorded it over the people. But I did not do so, because of the fear of God.