Law 9 in The 48 Laws of Power says, “Win through your actions, never through argument.” This law suggests that instead of engaging in debates or verbal confrontations, one should lead by example and let their actions speak for themselves. In the Bible, Nehemiah is a prime example of this principle.
Nehemiah’s Example of Action over Argument:
Nehemiah was tasked with rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem—a massive undertaking that drew opposition and ridicule from enemies. Despite threats and verbal attacks from people like Sanballat and Tobiah, Nehemiah avoided arguments. Instead, he focused on the work and rallied the people to complete their task. Nehemiah's actions and leadership eventually won him favor and respect, and the wall was completed without him needing to engage in heated debates or defend his vision through words alone.
Key Examples from Nehemiah’s Life:
Ignoring Mockery and Staying Focused on His Mission
Scripture: Nehemiah 2:19-20 – “But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? Will ye rebel against the king? Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build...”
Context: Instead of retaliating or defending his actions to his critics, Nehemiah placed his trust in God, allowing his faith and his work to speak for him. His response was calm and assured, focused on the work rather than on the negative words.
Strengthening His People by Example
Scripture: Nehemiah 4:6 – “So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.”
Context: Nehemiah’s commitment to the wall inspired others to work alongside him. By setting an example through his diligence and determination, he united the people, achieving far more than if he had tried to convince or argue them into it.
Completing the Wall as a Testimony of God’s Power
Scripture: Nehemiah 6:15-16 – “So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days. And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.”
Context: When the wall was completed, it was a powerful testament that God was with Nehemiah. His actions and perseverance ultimately silenced his critics, as they realized they couldn’t stop the work of God.
Conclusion
Nehemiah’s story is a great illustration of winning through action instead of words. His example shows that faithfulness to God’s calling often means working diligently and letting the results speak louder than any argument ever could.
Sermon: Winning Through Actions, Not Arguments – The Lesson of Nehemiah
Theme Scripture: Nehemiah 2:19-20, Nehemiah 4:6, Nehemiah 6:15-16
Introduction Parable
Picture this: A farmer sets out to build a fence around his land to protect his crops from wild animals. As he works, his neighbors pass by and laugh, telling him it’s a waste of time, that he could never build a fence strong enough. Some tell him outright that he’s foolish for even trying. But instead of debating, the farmer just keeps working, day by day, post by post, row by row. He doesn’t respond to their mockery with words. And when the fence is finally finished, it stands strong and firm. It protects his crops and becomes the best answer to his critics. No words were needed—only the finished fence, standing as proof of his dedication.
This farmer, like Nehemiah, won not by arguing or defending himself but by letting his work speak for itself. Nehemiah’s story in the Bible is a powerful example of how actions can often be far more persuasive than words. When faced with opposition, Nehemiah didn’t get pulled into endless debates; instead, he let his commitment to God’s calling guide him, and his actions ultimately spoke louder than any argument ever could.
Main Points
1. Facing Criticism and Staying Focused on God’s Mission
When Nehemiah began rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem, his efforts were met with mockery and scorn. His opponents, like Sanballat and Tobiah, sought to discourage him with their laughter and questions, hoping that he would abandon the work out of fear or frustration. But Nehemiah’s response wasn’t defensive or argumentative. Instead, he trusted in God’s purpose for his life, letting his faith and actions do the talking.
Scripture: Nehemiah 2:19-20 – “But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? Will ye rebel against the king? Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build…”
Commentary: In the face of scorn, Nehemiah didn’t try to prove his worth or explain himself. Instead, he placed his confidence in God, responding simply, “The God of heaven, he will prosper us.” This response isn’t just a statement of faith; it’s a declaration of God’s sovereignty. Nehemiah shows us that we don’t need to waste time defending ourselves when we know we’re following God’s calling. His answer reflects a quiet confidence in God that keeps him grounded and focused. He understood that words weren’t going to accomplish the work—only obedience to God could do that.
Cross-Reference and Context:
Psalm 37:5-6 – “Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.” Nehemiah’s response echoes this promise in Psalms. Just as David advises us to commit our ways to God and trust Him to act on our behalf, Nehemiah embodied this trust. He didn’t need to justify himself to those who mocked him, for he knew God would bring about the justice he sought. Our own confidence in God can serve as a silent but powerful response to those who doubt or oppose us.
Nehemiah’s calm and determined response to his critics shows us that when we truly trust in God, we don’t need to rely on arguments or debates. Our actions, grounded in faith, will speak for themselves.
2. Inspiring Others Through Action
Nehemiah didn’t just set out to build the wall by himself; he rallied the people of Jerusalem to work alongside him. His commitment inspired them to put their hands to the work. He led by example, encouraging them to stay focused despite the outside ridicule and threats. His actions unified the people, giving them a shared vision and purpose.
Scripture: Nehemiah 4:6 – “So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.”
Commentary: Nehemiah’s leadership was transformative because it was rooted in action. He didn’t just tell people what to do—he joined them in the work, and his dedication inspired them to give their best. Notice the phrase, “for the people had a mind to work.” Nehemiah’s commitment and focus were contagious, creating a ripple effect that encouraged everyone to press forward. His life was a living testimony, and it drew the people into a shared mission. They were no longer simply building a wall; they were building a future and a renewed identity for Jerusalem.
Cross-Reference and Context:
Proverbs 16:3 – “Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.” Nehemiah committed both his actions and his thoughts to God’s purpose, leading him to inspire others without needing to argue or force them. This proverb reinforces the idea that when we dedicate our work to God, He establishes our plans and makes them fruitful. Nehemiah’s focused actions, without argument or division, established a spirit of unity and purpose among the people.
Through his example, we learn that when our actions reflect our commitment to God, others are naturally drawn to follow. Nehemiah’s steadfast focus on the work made a lasting impact, uniting the people without needing to convince them with words.
3. The Ultimate Victory Through Action
As Nehemiah continued his work, the wall was completed despite all the opposition. When the wall was finally finished, it became a powerful testimony to God’s faithfulness. The very sight of the completed wall silenced his critics, showing that no argument was necessary when the work spoke for itself.
Scripture: Nehemiah 6:15-16 – “So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days. And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.”
Commentary: The completion of the wall was a tangible testament to the power of God working through Nehemiah and his people. It was more than just a physical structure; it was a symbol of God’s protection, favor, and strength. When the enemies saw the finished wall, they realized that God’s hand had been at work. Nehemiah’s faithful actions had a greater impact than any argument ever could. His dedication and trust in God became a testimony not only to his people but also to those who opposed him.
Cross-Reference and Context:
Matthew 5:16 – Jesus teaches, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Nehemiah’s actions glorified God and were a light to others. His good works were visible proof of his faith, and through them, even the non-believing nations recognized God’s power. Jesus encourages us to let our works shine as well, to be a living witness that points others to God.
In the end, the wall itself became the answer to Nehemiah’s critics. It was an undeniable statement of God’s power, far more convincing than any verbal defense.
Conclusion: Jesus as the Perfect Example of Winning Through Actions
While Nehemiah’s story is a powerful example, the life of Jesus Christ is the ultimate embodiment of winning through action rather than argument. Jesus didn’t try to win people over through debate; instead, He lived out God’s love, serving others, healing the sick, and teaching with authority. His actions reflected His divinity and love in a way that words alone could never express.
Scripture: 1 John 3:18 – “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”
Commentary: Jesus didn’t just speak about love—He showed it. He didn’t argue His identity; He lived it through His actions. From washing His disciples’ feet to laying down His life on the cross, every act He performed was a testimony to God’s love. Jesus knew that actions rooted in God’s truth speak louder than any argument. His life, death, and resurrection were the ultimate answer to sin and death, a victory accomplished through faithful action.
Like Nehemiah, Jesus teaches us that true strength lies in actions grounded in God’s will. By following His example, we can let our lives be a testimony to God’s love, showing others the truth through our actions rather than our words. Let’s remember that we don’t need to prove ourselves in every debate or argument. When we live faithfully, our lives themselves become the greatest testimony of all.
May we let our light shine, winning people over not by words but by reflecting God’s love in all that we do.
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