March 2, 2026

Business by the Book

Nehemiah 3: 5 And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord.

Businesses, families, churches and nations are hindered when their nobles cease to do their work. Of all the groups listed as performing work on their part of Jerusalem’s wall or gates only one group was singled out with a negative comment. The nobles of the Tekoites did not put their “necks to the work.” 

In every group there are individuals that must do their part for the whole to be successful. The old adage “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link” is still true. Oftentimes the younger, less experienced members of an organization are considered to be the weak link. Sometimes, however, it is the “nobles” that are the weak links.

“Nobles” can either be a great attribute to an organization or a great detriment. Consider a man who starts a company. He goes to college, is trained in a specific discipline, graduates, moves to a town and “puts out a shingle” starting a small business. This man becomes involved in the community, he picks up many clients, he keeps a good reputation, he continues his training and his business grows. Because of the influx of new business he hires other people to help him in this growing enterprise. He stays at it, 20, 30, perhaps even 40 years. Somewhere he must end doing the day to day work of the organization and begin overseeing all that has grown up around him. As this man enters into his later years of work he is faced with options. On one hand he could take his ease, stay out of the office, allow someone else to manage the business decisions, continue to be paid handsomely, enjoy all the perks of success, and basically cease to put his “neck to the work.” 

On the other hand he can determine to be responsible for doing only that which he can do. Oversee the business, care for the employees, visit with the clients, motivate the work force, train his replacement, and many other vital roles that only he can properly perform. By keeping his hand on the wheel, continuing to steer the business in the right direction, and making sure it still grows, he is making sure that the business stays on track.

One man would be a drain, a detriment, a disadvantage for the business, the other would be an asset, an advocate, an advantage for the business he started. Too many nobles seem to cease putting their “neck to the work” and the once growing business falters.

Nobles are important to every business, church, home and nation. But they must constantly remind themselves “you cannot sail on yesterday’s wind.”  To be a noble is a good thing indeed, but only if the “neck is put to the work.”  The work may be different for a noble, but it is still work.

Dr. William Howe