Nation: Righteousness Exalts
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The concept of "Righteousness Exalts a Nation" is deeply rooted in biblical teachings, emphasizing the moral and spiritual principles that elevate a nation in the eyes of God and among other nations. This idea is primarily derived from Proverbs 14:34, which states, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people" . This verse encapsulates the belief that adherence to God's laws and moral standards brings honor, prosperity, and divine favor to a nation, while sin leads to shame and downfall.

Biblical Context and Interpretation

In the Old Testament, the nation of Israel serves as a primary example of how righteousness can exalt a nation. The Israelites were chosen by God to be a holy people, set apart to follow His commandments and statutes. Deuteronomy 28 outlines the blessings that would come upon Israel if they obeyed God's laws, including prosperity, victory over enemies, and a respected position among other nations. Conversely, disobedience would lead to curses and national disgrace.

The prophets frequently called Israel back to righteousness, warning that neglecting God's commands would lead to judgment and exile. For instance, the prophet Isaiah admonished the people, saying, "Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil! Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow" (Isaiah 1:16-17). This call to righteousness was not only a personal mandate but a national one, emphasizing that the moral integrity of the nation as a whole was crucial for its exaltation.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the principle of righteousness continues to be significant, though it is often framed in the context of the Kingdom of God. Jesus Christ, in His teachings, emphasized the importance of righteousness, stating, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). Here, the focus is on individual and collective pursuit of God's righteousness as a means to receive His blessings.

The Apostle Paul also speaks to the transformative power of righteousness in a community, urging believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling. In Romans 14:17, Paul writes, "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit" . This underscores the idea that a community or nation that prioritizes righteousness will experience peace and joy, attributes that contribute to its exaltation.

Historical and Theological Implications

Throughout history, many Christian theologians and leaders have interpreted the principle of "Righteousness Exalts a Nation" as a call for nations to align their laws and policies with biblical values. This has often been seen in movements for social justice, abolition of slavery, and the establishment of laws that reflect Christian ethics. The belief is that when a nation collectively seeks to uphold righteousness, it not only gains divine favor but also becomes a beacon of moral integrity to the world.

Theologically, the exaltation of a nation through righteousness is seen as part of God's sovereign plan. Nations that honor God and His commandments are believed to be instruments of His will, used to accomplish His purposes on earth. This perspective encourages believers to pray for their nations, advocate for godly leadership, and engage in civic duties that promote righteousness.

Practical Application

For contemporary believers, the principle of "Righteousness Exalts a Nation" serves as a reminder of the importance of living out their faith in both personal and public spheres. Christians are encouraged to be active participants in their communities, promoting justice, mercy, and humility as outlined in Micah 6:8: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" .

In summary, the biblical teaching that righteousness exalts a nation calls for a commitment to God's standards, both individually and collectively, with the assurance that such dedication will lead to divine blessing and national honor.
Nave's Topical Index
Proverbs 14:34
Righteousness exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Sin.
... Such is a reproach, and thus we learn how righteousness exalts a nation and sin
becomes a reproach to any people. 4. Sin gives death its horror. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter iii sin.htm

(On the Passion, xii. : Preached on Wednesday. )
... being dead to sins, we may live to righteousness [1052 ... one flock of holy sheep from
every nation under heaven ... it is that by newness of life exalts the desires of ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon lxiii on the passion.htm

The Gospel Day Seen in Prophecy.
... out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation.". ... And righteousness shall
be the girdle of his loins, and ... It only exalts the salvation of the Branch of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /the gospel day seen in.htm

The Work of Paul.
... task which properly fell to his whole nation; and hence ... of Clement of Rome, who
apparently exalts Paul above ... of his faith, having taught righteousness unto the ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 32 the work of.htm

How those are to be Admonished with whom Everything Succeeds ...
... For that rude nation would not have believed the ... even the righteous, when temporal
power exalts them, are ... was a servant, in his love of righteousness he feared ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xxvi how those are.htm

The Prayer of Stephen.
... never any over whom he vaingloriously exalts himself, and ... after nothing but the kingdom
of God and His righteousness. ... the past history of the nation, in order ...
/.../selected sermons of schleiermacher/xxiii the prayer of stephen.htm

'Our Father'
... hearts seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness? ... 2. It exalts the
preciousness of the Fatherhood, as ... Nation or race?"artificial and not capable of ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/our father.htm

"And Hereby we do Know that we Know Him, if we Keep his ...
... is not much of it in this nation, nor do ... a ray or beam of the Sun of righteousness,
which is ... degrade spiritual things as far as religion exalts natural things ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxviii and hereby we.htm

Sweet Comfort for Feeble Saints
... Some men she extols, exalts, and almost deifies; others, whose virtues are ... world
on fire"he can light up a whole nation with the ... His blood and righteousness. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/sweet comfort for feeble saints.htm

Man's Chief End
... 1:1: Filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are ... can add to God's essential
glory, yet praise exalts him in ... 1 Peter 2:2. Ye are an holy nation, that ye ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/1 mans chief end.htm

Resources
Why did God sometimes judge the entire nation for the actions of its king? | GotQuestions.org

What are the consequences of nations turning away from God? | GotQuestions.org

Will the generation that saw Israel re-formed as a nation still be alive for the Second Coming? | GotQuestions.org

Nation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Nation

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Nation: Involved in the Sins of Other Individuals, As Achan

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Nation: National Peace

Nation: Peace Given by God

Nation: Peace of

Nation: Perish

Nation: Prayer For

Nation: Prayer for Peace

Nation: Promises of Peace To

Nation: Righteousness Exalts

Nation: Sins of

Related Terms

Awesome (47 Occurrences)

Various (52 Occurrences)

Different (87 Occurrences)

Divers (36 Occurrences)

Pruninghooks (3 Occurrences)

Pruning-hooks (4 Occurrences)

Ploughshares (3 Occurrences)

Pruning (6 Occurrences)

Pruning-knives (4 Occurrences)

Plowshares (5 Occurrences)

Plow-shares (3 Occurrences)

Aggressive (2 Occurrences)

Stirring (20 Occurrences)

Enduring (25 Occurrences)

Deborah (10 Occurrences)

Swift (35 Occurrences)

Spears (25 Occurrences)

Distant (56 Occurrences)

Avenged (34 Occurrences)

Places (610 Occurrences)

Devoid (4 Occurrences)

Meted (8 Occurrences)

Meteth (3 Occurrences)

Peeled (5 Occurrences)

Bereave (10 Occurrences)

Conquering (3 Occurrences)

Atheism

Selfsurrender

Smooth-skinned (2 Occurrences)

Sturdy (3 Occurrences)

Self-surrender

Moved (316 Occurrences)

Countrymen (60 Occurrences)

Punish (84 Occurrences)

Accuse (34 Occurrences)

Decide (33 Occurrences)

Spoiled (69 Occurrences)

Affirmation (335 Occurrences)

Statutes (178 Occurrences)

Salvation (386 Occurrences)

Stirred (64 Occurrences)

Several (40 Occurrences)

Void (64 Occurrences)

Avenge (27 Occurrences)

Existence (35 Occurrences)

Provoke (64 Occurrences)

Anymore (47 Occurrences)

Storm (62 Occurrences)

Swords (50 Occurrences)

Pestilence (57 Occurrences)

Measured (91 Occurrences)

Afar (98 Occurrences)

Coasts (58 Occurrences)

Surely (587 Occurrences)

Polygamy

Visit (97 Occurrences)

Ahab (85 Occurrences)

Messiah (9 Occurrences)

Zedekiah (63 Occurrences)

Arms (166 Occurrences)

Malachi (2 Occurrences)

Beginning (187 Occurrences)

Crushing (93 Occurrences)

Bless (174 Occurrences)

Quietness (15 Occurrences)

Vulture (16 Occurrences)

Vocation (2 Occurrences)

Youth (169 Occurrences)

Announce (56 Occurrences)

Vex (20 Occurrences)

Envious (16 Occurrences)

Domestic (5 Occurrences)

Disturbed (30 Occurrences)

Disputes (18 Occurrences)

Discomfit (6 Occurrences)

Mightier (21 Occurrences)

Merely (30 Occurrences)

Motion (8 Occurrences)

Miseries (4 Occurrences)

Nation: Promises of Peace To
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