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 Dès le jour où le roi m'établit leur gouverneur dans le pays de Juda, depuis la vingtième année jusqu'à la trente-deuxième année du roi Artaxerxès, pendant douze ans, ni moi ni mes frères n'avons vécu des revenus du gouverneur.