He confronts and rebukes their greed. Sometimes we need to point out to people what they are doing wrong. We need to help them see what needs to be done. It has always been difficult, for some to distinguish between righteous indignation and ungodly anger. As we meditate on this chapter, I believe we can see the difference.
Righteous indignation is concerned about the rights of others.
Ungodly anger usually occurs when we have been personally offended and deprived of our own rights. Nehemiah isn't offended because of the deprivation of his personal rights. In fact, Nehemiah has given up all his personal rights for the sake of his brothers in distress. Nehemiah is concerned about the rights and welfare of those he is leading. Dr. Harry Ironside recalled an incident from his boyhood when highly respected brethren became angry with one another.