Some began looking for a fast buck through price gouging and shoddy workmanship. As we come to the fifth chapter of Nehemiah, we find a similar situation. The city of Jerusalem lies in ruin. People are powerless to help themselves. The tax bills continue to roll around despite the fact there is no money to pay them.
Taxes are enormous.
There are no walls for protection. Most people are working with all their hearts to build the wall. But there are those standing around who seem to think that everything is fair in love, war and a shrewd business deal. There is little concern about the ethical implications of their behavior. There is a direct correlation between the effectiveness of our mission and the treatment of our brethren.