April 9

Proverbs 14:34
“Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” — Prov. 14:3434Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. (Proverbs 14:34).
WHEN nations or communities of lesser size turn from the paths of rectitude and self-restraint to those of wickedness and careless self-indulgence, they are in the way of inevitable ruin. It was not the barbarians that destroyed the Roman Empire in the fourth century of our era. It was the voluptuousness and drunkenness of its citizens. Israel could never be vanquished by foes from the outside. It was always the enemies within that caused defeat and brought ruin and desolation. The nation or community that trains its youth to walk in righteousness and shun licentiousness, drunkenness, and other vicious types of behavior will become and remain strong and powerful. Where it is otherwise, its weakness will soon become manifest. It is as true of whole groups as of individuals, that whatsoever they sow will surely be reaped (Gal. 6:77Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (Galatians 6:7)).
“Lord, while for all mankind we pray,
Of every clime and coast,
Oh, hear us for our native land,
The land we love the most.
Unite us in the sacred love
Of knowledge, truth, and Thee,
And let our hills and valleys shout
The songs of liberty.
Lord of the nations, thus to Thee
Our country we commend:
Be Thou her refuge and her boast,
Her everlasting Friend!”