Righteousness exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. Proverbs 14:34

Wow, let that sink in.  Righteousness exalts a nation. Other translations of the same verse:

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.

Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people.

There are different ways to say the same thing.  Reading different versions, it’s clearly the same message.

We should ask ourselves some questions right now.  Has our nation been exalted or called great in the past?  Even with all of its past faults, it had character and some righteousness. Has it lost some of that luster?  Why?  How can we restore righteousness to our nation?  Not self-righteousness.  True righteousness.  Keeping the Ten Commandments.  Loving truth.  Loving our brothers and sisters.

To each person to answer those questions. One caveat: we should not equate “exalts” or “makes a nation great” with being the most powerful with the biggest army and the most bombs. That is not being exalted.

According to http://www.biblestudytools.com, the Hebrew word that is most often translated as “exalt,” or “exalted,” is a word that means: “to lift up,” “to be or become high.” It is used with reference to both God and man. It is clear that exalted in this context means lifted up high in God’s sight.

We can only demand that our elected officials be righteous if we ourselves have already become so. Therefore, our righteousness creates righteous officials, which in turn creates a situation wherein we and our country are exalted, or lifted up.

Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? (King James Version)

Micah 6:8 He has made clear to you, O man, what is good; and what is desired from you by the Lord; only doing what is right, and loving mercy, and walking without pride before your God. (The Bible in Basic English.)

Let’s go for it!