Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. Sin extends its influence over all the relations of life. To the general corruption of mankind, the miseries of individuals, of families, and of nations are owing. The chief good, the true interest of each of these, is to be found only in the victory of truth over error, of holiness over sin. I. AN EXPLANATION OF THE WORDS "RIGHTEOUSNESS," AND "EXALTATION." Righteousness signifies, according to its primitive idea, full weight or measure. It is such a conformity to some law which men are bound to obey as answers all its demands. Exaltation means advancement or promotion to a state of dignity and honour, usefulness and happiness. The exaltation of a nation consists in its intellectual, moral, political, social, and physical excellence. II. ILLUSTRATE THE MANNER IN WHICH REVEALED RELIGION EXALTETH A NATION. 1. Righteousness exalteth the intellectual state of a nation. Righteousness encourages the cultivation of the mind, and enlightens the reason. 2. Righteousness exalteth the moral state of a nation. It unfolds the foundation of genuine morality, and affords the ability of conforming to its precepts. Without the righteousness of faith there is no obedience to the Divine law, such as it requires. Sinners, as such, are immoral in a strict sense, because unrighteous, i.e., disobedient to God's law. Righteousness, by drawing forth into proper exercise the faculties, and forming correct habits, exalts the morals of individuals and nations. 3. Righteousness exalteth the political state of a nation. It adds its sanctions to the authority of government. It teaches and enforces subordination. It establishes parental authority and family discipline, without which civil communities cannot flourish. 4. Righteousness exalts the social state of a nation. By this is meant their manners. It influences a people to combine gravity with cheerfulness. 5. Righteousness exalteth a nation by promoting its physical state. By this is meant its natural resources, such as its population, wealth, and means of defence. III. EXAMINE THE PROOFS WHICH HISTORY AFFORDS OF THIS TRUTH. So far as the principles of righteousness are known among a nation, so far that nation is exalted. Every system of religion will influence its followers according to the interest which it excites in their feelings. Illustrate especially from the history of the Jewish nation. Learn(1) The importance of the Church of Jesus Christ, in this world. The Church of God is the sheet-anchor of the world. (2) The importance of a religious magistracy. (J. B. Romeyn, B.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.WEB: Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. |
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