At the close of the twelve years' term, Nehemiah could say that he and his official attendants had not drawn the customary allowances from the people.

"I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor" This simply means that Nehemiah and his staff did not accept the usual allotments of food and money ... Coffman's Commentaries on... · Smith's Bible Commentary

Nehemiah, upset with the nobles for excising an unjust tax on the poor of the city in the middle of the famine shows true leadership.

I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor; which was fit and proper for him, and used to be given him; neither he, nor those that assisted him ...

David Guzik commentary on Nehemiah 5 describes how financial problems threaten the work on the wall, and Nehemiah sets an example in generosity.

Nehemiah's life could be summed up in his desire to serve the Lord and other people. God will bless me when my priorities are the Lord and others before myself.

Nehemiah gives us a glimpse once again of what it means to set the example for sacrificial ministry.

Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.

He asks the LORD to come to his rescue and save his life from a violent and humiliating execution at the hands of his enemies. After making his requests, David ...

NIV Moreover, from the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, until his thirty-second year—twelve ...