15. Every governor who had been in office before me had been a burden to the people and had demanded forty silver coins a day for food and wine. Even their servants had oppressed the people. But I acted differently, because I honoured God.
16. I put all my energy into rebuilding the wall and did not acquire any property. Everyone who worked for me joined in the rebuilding.
17. I regularly fed at my table 150 of the Jewish people and their leaders, besides all the people who came to me from the surrounding nations.
18. Every day I served one ox, six of the best sheep, and many chickens, and every ten days I provided a fresh supply of wine. But I knew what heavy burdens the people had to bear, so I did not claim the allowance that the governor is entitled to.
19. I pray you, O God, remember to my credit everything that I have done for this people.