14 Also, from the day that I was appointed to be their governor in the Yehudah region (for the twelve years from the Persian King Artahshashta’s 20th year until his 32nd year), I myself didn’t accept the governor’s food allowance, nor did my relatives. 15 The governors who preceded me had been very hard on the people—demanding bread and wine and forty silver coins. Even their servants oppressed the people. In contrast, I didn’t do that due to desire to honour God. 16 Also I remained focussed on rebuilding the wall, and we didn’t invest in a farm property, and all my servants also contributed to the work. 17 I regularly fed a hundred and fifty Jewish leaders and city officials, as well as visitors from other countries around us, 18 so in one day we needed one bull, six choice sheep, and various kinds of poultry, as well as various types of wines every ten days. I didn’t demand any of this from the people because it would have been a heavy burden for them.

19 My God, remember me for the good that I’ve done for these people.