-4] These are the memoirs of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah. In late autumn, in the month of Kislev, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes’ reign, I was at the fortress of Susa. [2] Hanani, one of my brothers, came to visit me with some other men who had just arrived from Judah. I asked them about the Jews who had returned there from captivity and about how things were going in Jerusalem. [3] They said to me, “Things are not going well for those who returned to the province of Judah. They are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem has been torn down, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.” [4] When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven.

] A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.

] Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

ESV] We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

CSB] Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

NIV] Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.

] I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.