Proverbs 14:34 kjv

Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

Proverbs 14:34 nkjv

Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.

Proverbs 14:34 niv

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.

Proverbs 14:34 esv

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.

Proverbs 14:34 nlt

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

Proverbs 14 verses

Proverbs 14 34 Meaning

Righteousness, understood as adherence to divine moral standards, justice, and upright conduct, uplifts and strengthens a nation, leading to its flourishing and distinction. Conversely, sin, as rebellion against God's will and moral transgression, brings disgrace, shame, and eventual ruin to any people or community.

Proverbs 14 34 Context

Proverbs chapter 14 largely contrasts wisdom and folly, examining their practical effects on individual lives and relationships within a community. This specific proverb acts as a climatic summary, applying these principles to a broader, national scale. Historically, the audience would have understood "nation" (גּוֹי, goy) primarily in the context of ancient Israel as a distinct people called by God, bound by His covenant laws. However, the use of "any people" (לְאֻמִּים, ləʾummîm) implies a universal truth applying to all human communities, whether God-fearing or not. This proverb reflects the Old Testament's worldview where national prosperity and stability were directly tied to a nation's moral and religious uprightness before God. It implicitly polemicizes against the pagan notion that power, wealth, or military might alone ensured national success, arguing instead that adherence to divine righteousness was the ultimate foundation.

Proverbs 14 34 Word analysis

• Righteousness (צְדָקָה, tzedakah): More than just individual piety; it encompasses justice, integrity, moral uprightness, and correct relationships – both with God and with others in society. It speaks to a communal and national standard of conduct aligned with God's divine character and law. Its significance lies in being the foundation of a stable and flourishing society, not merely ritualistic observance.
• Exalts (תְּרוֹמֵם, teromem): Implies elevation, lifting up, causing to rise in dignity, strength, and status. It suggests a process of enhancement, prominence, and a condition of being highly favored or prosperous among other nations.
• A nation (גּוֹי, goy): Refers to a people group or political entity. While goyim often denotes gentile nations, here it can universally refer to any national entity, including Israel. The proverb suggests that the principle is universally applicable across all societies.
• But (וְ, ve): A strong adversative conjunction, indicating a sharp contrast between the preceding clause and what follows, emphasizing the opposite outcome.
• Sin (חֵטְא, chet'): Signifies a failure, a missing of the mark, a transgression against God's established moral and legal boundaries. It represents disobedience, rebellion, and moral impurity that defiles individuals and communities.
• Is a reproach (חֶרְפָּה, cherpah): Carries the meaning of shame, disgrace, dishonor, humiliation, and public condemnation. It implies a moral blemish or public stain that diminishes a nation's standing and integrity, leading to internal decay and external contempt.
• To any people (לְאֻמִּים, ləʾummîm): A broader term than goy, often translated as "peoples" or "nations." Its use here emphasizes the universal nature of this truth, extending beyond the specific context of Israel to encompass all human societies and groups.

Word-groups by words-group analysis

• "Righteousness exalts a nation": This phrase highlights the divine principle that a nation's true greatness and enduring prosperity are rooted in its moral character and adherence to justice as defined by God. It emphasizes a causal link between national conduct and national standing. It implies spiritual, moral, and often material elevation.
• "but sin is a reproach to any people": This contrasting clause underscores the inevitable negative consequences of collective sin. It means that moral decline, injustice, and disobedience to God’s laws do not merely undermine a society but actively bring about public shame, internal corruption, and eventual downfall, regardless of the nation's perceived strength or resources. The truth applies without exception.

Proverbs 14 34 Bonus section

This proverb illustrates a fundamental aspect of the biblical worldview: God's moral government over all creation, including nations. It demonstrates that the principles of sowing and reaping are not limited to individual lives but apply corporately to societies. The "reproach" resulting from sin is not merely God's arbitrary punishment, but often the natural consequence of social decay that flows from widespread unrighteousness – weakened social cohesion, erosion of trust, increased crime, and loss of respect both internally and from other nations. The wisdom here isn't solely prescriptive; it's descriptive of how divine truth impacts the real world, whether acknowledged or not. This verse strongly implies that nations rise and fall not simply due to military might or economic factors, but profoundly based on their collective moral choices.

Proverbs 14 34 Commentary

Proverbs 14:34 succinctly articulates a profound and timeless principle: the moral and spiritual health of a nation directly correlates with its overall well-being and standing. It posits righteousness, in its broadest sense encompassing justice, integrity, and upright living, as the foundation for national stability, honor, and prosperity. This goes beyond mere political prowess or economic strength, asserting that true exaltation comes from aligning with God’s standards of good. Conversely, the verse warns that widespread sin, be it idolatry, injustice, moral decay, or general disobedience to divine law, is a direct path to national disgrace, internal conflict, and eventual ruin. This isn't merely a threat but an observed reality; sin acts like a disease that saps the strength and respect from any people, diminishing its light and drawing contempt. The proverb thus serves as a foundational call to moral and spiritual responsibility for leaders and citizens alike, affirming that divine favor and lasting success are contingent upon collective obedience and righteous conduct.For example, a nation's judicial system built on integrity promotes public trust, fostering stability; conversely, widespread corruption among public officials erodes faith, leading to social unrest and diminished international respect. Similarly, if a people uphold high ethical standards in business, they build a reputation for reliability, fostering prosperity; but pervasive dishonesty leads to economic distrust and instability.