Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 14:34 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. "
Proverbs 14:34
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
32 The wicked is brought down in his calamity, but in death, the righteous has a refuge.
33 Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding, and is even made known in the inward part of fools.
34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.
35 The king’s favor is toward a servant who deals wisely, but his wrath is toward one who causes shame.
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Justice, when it rules in a nation, gives that nation honor. A fair government, equal treatment between people, open support for true religion, and the general practice and profession of virtue all lift a nation up. So do the protection of good people and kindness to strangers. Even acts of charity and compassion, sometimes called righteousness, have this effect. They strengthen the throne, raise the people’s character, and make the nation fit for God’s favor, which can make it great as a holy nation (Deuteronomy 26:19).
But vice brings shame on a nation. Sin is a disgrace to any city or kingdom, and it makes them look low in the eyes of their neighbors. Israel often showed both sides of this truth. When they were faithful, they were great. When they turned from God, the nations around them mocked them and pushed them down. For that reason, it is both the duty and the interest of rulers to use their power to restrain evil and support what is good.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 14:1
"Every wise woman builds her house, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands."
Proverbs 14:2
"He who walks in his uprightness fears the LORD, but he who is perverse in his ways despises him."
Proverbs 14:3
"The fool’s talk brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them."
Proverbs 14:4
"Where no oxen are, the crib is clean, but much increase is by the strength of the ox."
Proverbs 14:5
"A truthful witness will not lie, but a false witness pours out lies."
Proverbs 14:6
"A scoffer seeks wisdom, and doesn’t find it, but knowledge comes easily to a discerning person."
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