Righteousness Exalts a Nation
Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Proverbs 14:15-35. The verse we are focusing on in this passage of Scripture is verse 34, “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.”
Before we get into this verse let’s look at the rest of the Scripture.
The simple person believes every word: but the prudent person looks well to their success.
A wise person fears, and departs from evil: but the fool rages, and is confident.
Those who are easily angered deal foolishly: and a person of wicked devices is hated.
A simple person inherits folly: but the prudent person is crowned with knowledge.
The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
The poor person is hated even by their own neighbor: but the rich have many friends. Is it because of their money that the wealthy have many friends or is it because of the way they treat others?
Those who despise their neighbor sins: but happy are those who have mercy on the poor.
Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth will come to those who devise good.
In all labor there is profit: but the talk of the lips leads to poverty.
The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.
A true witness delivers souls: but a deceitful witness speaks lies.
In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
In the multitude of people is the king’s honor: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.
He that is slow to wrath has great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalts folly.
A sound heart is the life of the body: but envy decays the bones.
Those who oppress the poor reproach their Maker: but those who honor Him have mercy on the poor.
The wicked is driven away in their wickedness: but the righteous have hope in their death.
Wisdom rests in the heart of those who have understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.
Righteousness exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
The king shows favor toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against those who cause shame.
Many times people believe that when they sin or do something wrong they are not hurting anyone else, but themselves. That is usually not true, more often than not, the bad decisions we make hurt the people we love the most. This Scripture goes as far to say that sin can affect an entire nation. When a nation turns against God they are more likely to reap the wrath of God instead of His blessings.
On the other hand, if we live good godly lives those closest to us reap the benefits of our obedience. When we, as a nation, obey God and make right choices our righteousness elevates our nation. It can cause God’s blessings to be upon us.
As believers, we have a responsibility to pray for our nation. We are reminded of our responsibility in 2 Chronicles 7:14 which says, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
Daily Bible Reading:
Proverbs 14:15-35
15 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.
17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
18 The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19 The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.
21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
22 Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
23 In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.
24 The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.
25 A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.
26 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
28 In the multitude of people is the king’s honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.
29 He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
31 He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.
32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.
33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.
34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
35 The king’s favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.
Things to think about:
- What does righteousness do for a nation?
- What does sin do for a nation?
- What are the attributes of the righteous mentioned in this Scripture?
- What are the attributes of the wicked or foolish mentioned in this Scripture?
- What can we do as believers to help heal our nation and bring it back to God?
Prayer of the Day:
Dear Heavenly Father,
As we read this Scripture in the book of Proverbs we see that righteousness can heal a nation, but sin can destroy a nation. Help us to humble ourselves, pray and seek your face. Help our nation to turn back to You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Daily Bible Verse:
Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
– Proverbs 14:34
For more on this topic check out my book Christians Response to Government.
Christian Music Video: “God Bless America” ~ Martina McBride
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Have a blessed day,
Deborah
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