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STUDY 119

Text: Proverbs 14
3 October 2003

Dear Parents,

RIGHTEOUSNESS AND SIN CONTRASTED
Righteousness and sin are two themes that are constantly compared and/or contrasted. Let us consider this text.

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

Proverbs 14:34

There is an interesting basis of comparison in this text. This time round, the comparison is not so much personal as national.

PERSONAL AND NATIONAL RIGHTEOUSNESS

1. Personal righteousness

Personal righteousness must always be encouraged. Throughout the book of Proverbs, personal righteousness is enjoined.

2. National righteousness

How may we speak of national righteousness? Let us consider the following thoughts:-

a) When leaders of the nation promote “righteousness”

We are not talking about that righteousness that God imputes to all who believe in His salvation plan through faith in Jesus. We are talking about general or human righteousness that seeks to uphold the virtues of justice, law and order.

b) When the community responds positively

Whole communities can respond favourably to overtures made by the leaders of the land. When people rally round to support righteous causes, that “righteousness” (will indeed) exalt the nation.

PERSONAL AND NATIONAL SINFULNESS

1. Personal sinfulness

We are all aware of the problem of personal sinfulness. We have committed many sins against God and there is little need to elaborate on the subject.

2. National sinfulness

Is it possible for a whole nation to sin against God and against humanity? The answer is “YES!” A careful look at the history of mankind would reveal how dictators could plunge a whole nation into committing dreaded atrocities! The Axis powers in World War II could be cited as proof such a thing as national sinfulness. When sin is perpetrated at that level, it is a reproach to the people of the land!

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie