How to deal with criticism
Nehemiah faced significant criticism and opposition while leading the effort to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls. His critics came from both external enemies and internal dissenters. Below is a breakdown of the main criticisms he faced, the reasons behind them, and how he responded.
1. Criticism from External Enemies: Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem(Nehemiah 2:19; 4:1-3, 7-8; 6:1-14)
Criticism #1: Mocking & Ridicule
What they said: Sanballat mocked Nehemiah and his workers: “What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore it for themselves? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish up in a day?” (Nehemiah 4:2). Tobiah added: “Yes, what they are building—if a fox goes up on it, he will break down their stone wall!” (Nehemiah 4:3)
Why they criticized him:
• They wanted to undermine confidence in the project.
• They saw Nehemiah as a threat to their political power.
• They assumed the Jews lacked the resources and skill to rebuild.
How Nehemiah responded:
• He prayed: “Hear, O our God, for we are despised…” (Nehemiah 4:4)
• He kept building: He did not engage in a verbal battle but continued the work.
Criticism #2: Threats & Intimidation
What they said: Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem plotted to attack Jerusalem (Nehemiah 4:7-8). They later tried to trick Nehemiah into a meeting to harm him (Nehemiah 6:2).
Why they criticized him:
• They realized mockery didn’t stop him, so they escalated to threats and fear tactics.
• They wanted to stop construction before the walls were finished.
How Nehemiah responded:
• He armed the people: “We prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.” (Nehemiah 4:9). He stationed men with swords, spears, and bows to guard the builders (Nehemiah 4:13-14).
• He refused to be distracted: When they invited him to a meeting, he said, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down.” (Nehemiah 6:3)
Criticism #3: False Accusations
What they said: Sanballat accused Nehemiah of rebellion against the king: “It is reported among the nations, and Geshem also says it, that you and the Jews intend to rebel…” (Nehemiah 6:6)
• They claimed Nehemiah wanted to make himself king (Nehemiah 6:6-7).
Why they criticized him:
• They wanted to turn King Artaxerxes against Nehemiah.
• They hoped to pressure him into stopping the project out of fear.
How Nehemiah responded:
• He denied the false claims boldly: “No such things as you say have been done, for you are inventing them out of your own mind.” (Nehemiah 6:8). He prayed for strength: “But now, O God, strengthen my hands.” (Nehemiah 6:9)
2. Internal Criticism from Fellow Jews (Nehemiah 5:1-13)
Criticism #4: Economic Exploitation
What happened: Wealthy Jews were charging interest and enslaving their own people (Nehemiah 5:1-5).
The poor cried out: “We are mortgaging our fields, our vineyards, and our houses to get grain because of the famine.” (Nehemiah 5:3)
Why this was an issue:
• It was against God’s Law to exploit fellow Israelites (Exodus 22:25).
• The poor couldn’t afford to work on the wall because they were struggling to survive.
How Nehemiah responded:
• He confronted the wealthy Jews directly: “The thing that you are doing is not good. Ought you not to walk in the fear of our God?” (Nehemiah 5:9)
• He made them restore what they had taken:
• He forced them to return fields, vineyards, and houses without interest (Nehemiah 5:11).
• He led by example:Unlike previous governors, he refused to tax the people for his own benefit (Nehemiah 5:14-19).
Lessons from Nehemiah’s Response to Criticism
1. Stay Focused on the Mission – He didn’t get distracted by insults or threats (Nehemiah 6:3).
2. Respond with Prayer, Not Panic – Every time he was attacked, he prayed first (Nehemiah 4:9, 6:9).
3. Use Wisdom in Confrontation – He confronted injustice directly but wisely (Nehemiah 5:9-12).
4. Lead by Example – He lived with integrity and refused personal gain (Nehemiah 5:14-19).
Nehemiah’s ability to stand firm, pray, and keep building despite criticism is a powerful model for leadership today.
