Proverbs 14:34 – “Righteousness [justice; moral uprightness] exalteth [lifts up; elevates] a nation [people; i.e. – group; community; family; generation]: but sin [offence against God or man’s law] is a reproach [shame] to any people [nation; community].”
World history supports Solomon’s observation that those nations whose laws fundamentally aligned with the moral absolutes of God’s Word and principally the Ten Commandments, have been blessed and flourished. It is my observation that where the Gospel has been preached and Christianity has held a strong influence, people have evidenced a respect for law and order, a spirit of charity and a common decency towards their fellowman that is both good and noble.
As is true of the nations, so it can be said of a family, church, community and city. When a people choose to embrace righteousness and are exercised by both the Laws of God and the laws of man, there will be present a moral innocence, kindness and benevolence that is indicative of biblical charity (1 Corinthians 13).
While righteousness commends a nation to God’s blessing, a people who reject God, turn from His Law and choose to follow the path of sin and wickedness will come to disgrace. Too many examples come to mind when I consider the tragic realization of this proverb in the lives of friends, families and ministries I have known over the years. Shame, humiliation and disgrace scar the lives of those who forsake God’s Law.
I close with a political observation that is suitable to today’s proverb. The decline of America’s power and presence in the world parallels her national sins and the disdain with which we are held as a people. We have butchered the unborn and celebrated it as a woman’s right; we have embraced gross immorality and defined it as a civil right; we have betrayed Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East and befriended those who would destroy us. We have become a “reproach” and, in the words of U. S. Senator Ted Cruz, “Our friends no longer trust us, and our enemies no longer fear us.”
Copyright 2015 – Travis D. Smith