This example of wise forethought and resolute action should be a lesson to all Christians. God's children are not only to pray in faith, but to work with diligent and provident 634 care. They encounter many difficulties and often hinder the working of Providence in their behalf, because they regard prudence and painstaking effort as having little to do with religion. Nehemiah did not regard his duty done when he had wept and prayed before the Lord. He united his petitions with holy endeavor, putting forth earnest, prayerful efforts for the success of the enterprise in which he was engaged. Careful consideration and well-matured plans are as essential to the carrying forward of sacred enterprises today as in the time of the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls.

Alle kristne burde tage ved lære af Nehemias' klogskab, omtanke og beslutsomhed. Guds børn skal ikke blot bede i tro, men også være forudseende og arbejde flittigt. De møder mange besværligheder og gør det ofte vanskeligt for forsynet at arbejde for dem, fordi de ikke mener, at det har noget med religion at gøre at lægge klogskab og omhyggelig flid for dagen. Nehemias slog sig ikke til ro med, at han havde gjort sin pligt, da han havde grædt og bedt for Herrens åsyn. Han forenede bøn og hellig iver. Samtidig med, at han bad, gjorde han sig de ihærdigste anstrengelser, for at hans forehavende skulle lykkes. Det er lige så vigtigt at udvise omtanke og lægge velovervejede planer, når der skal løses en hellig opgave i dag, som det var, da Jerusalems mure skulle genopbygges.