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“Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).
We know that in the New Testament, God is not dealing with nations, but rather is calling individuals out of every nation to be part of His church. However, we still have nations in the world today; God honors those who want to live by right principles, and who avoid supporting sinful practices. Unhappily many nations who used to be known for being righteous are now disregarding God’s Word and even putting sinful practices into law. Then the second half of the verse applies—“Sin is a reproach (shame) to any people.” It is a shame to that nation that openly supports lying, stealing, oppression, etc., as if God did not notice.
When large numbers of people in any nation seek to honor God, and to do what is right, God honors that nation, even if many of those people are not saved. Let us also remember the last part of the verse, and what happens when God’s claims are given up.
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