Nehemiah 5:1–8

And there was a great ^acry of the people and of their wives against their ^bbrethren the Jews. ²For there were that said, We, our sons, and our daughters, are many: therefore we take up corn for them, that we may eat, and live. ³Some also there were that said, We have mortgaged our lands, vineyards, and houses, that we might buy corn, because of the dearth. ⁴There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king’s ^ctribute, and that upon our lands and vineyards. ⁵Yet now ^dour flesh is as the flesh of our brethren, our children as their children: and lo, we bring into bondage our ^esons and our ^fdaughters to be servants, and some of our daughters are brought unto bondage already: neither is it in our power to redeem them; for other men have our lands and vineyards. ⁶And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words. ⁷Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuked the nobles, and the rulers, and said unto them, ^gYou exact usury, every one of his brother. And I set a great assembly against them. ⁸And I said unto them, We after our ability have ^hredeemed our brethren the Jews, which were sold unto the heathen; and will you even sell your brethren? or shall they be sold unto us? Then held they their peace, and found nothing to answer.