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Proverbs 14:34
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- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
Two proverbs follow regarding the state and its ruler: 34 Righteousness exalteth a nation, And sin is a disgrace to the people. The Hebr. language is richer in synonyms of "the people" than the German. גּוי (formed like the non-bibl. מוי, water, and נוי, corporealness, from גּוה, to extend itself from within outward; cf. Pro 9:3, גּפּי, Pro 10:13, גּו) is, according to the usus loq., like natio the people, as a mass swollen up from a common origin, and עם, 28a (from עמם, to bind), the people as a confederation held together by a common law; לאם (from לאם, to unite, bind together) is the mass (multitude) of the people, and is interchanged sometimes with גוי, Gen 25:23, and sometimes with עם, Pro 14:28. In this proverb, לאמּים stands indeed intentionally in the plur., but not גוי, with the plur. of which גּוים, the idea of the non-Israelitish nations, too easily connects itself. The proverb means all nations without distinction, even Israel (cf. under Isa 1:4) not excluded. History everywhere confirms the principle, that not the numerical, nor the warlike, nor the political, nor yet the intellectual and the so-called civilized greatness, is the true greatness of a nation, and determines the condition of its future as one of progress; but this is its true greatness, that in its private, public, and international life, צדקה, i.e., conduct directed by the will of God, according to the norm of moral rectitude, rules and prevails. Righteousness, good manners, and piety are the things which secure to a nation a place of honour, while, on the contrary, חטּאת, sin, viz., prevailing, and more favoured and fostered than contended against in the consciousness of the moral problem of the state, is a disgrace to the people, i.e., it lowers them before God, and also before men who do not judge superficially or perversely, and also actually brings them down. רומם, to raise up, is to be understood after Isa 1:2, cf. Pro 23:4, and is to be punctuated תּרומם, with Munach of the penult., and the העמדה-sign with the Tsere of the last syllable. Ben-Naphtali punctuates thus: תּרומם. In 34b all the artifices of interpretation (from Nachmani to Schultens) are to be rejected, which interpret חסד as the Venet. (ἔλεος δὲ λαῶν ἁμαρτία) in its predominant Hebrew signification. It has here, as at Lev 20:17 (but not Job 6:14), the signification of the Syr. chesdho, opprobrium; the Targ. חסדּא, or more frequently חסּוּדא, as among Jewish interpreters, is recognised by Chanan'el and Rashbam. That this חסד is not foreign to the Mishle style, is seen from the fact that חסּד, Pro 25:10, is used in the sense of the Syr. chasedh. The synon. Syr. chasam, invidere, obtrectare, shows that these verbal stems are formed from the R. הס, stringere, to strike. Already it is in some measure perceived how חסד, Syr. chasadh, Arab. hasada, may acquire the meaning of violent love, and by the mediation of the jealousy which is connected with violent love, the signification of grudging, and thus of reproach and of envy; yet this is more manifest if one thinks of the root-signification stringere, in the meaning of loving, as referred to the subject, in the meanings of disgrace and envy, as from the subject directed to others. Ewald (51c) compares חסל and חסר, Ethiop. chasra, in the sense of carpere, and on the other side חסה in the sense of "to join;" but חסה does not mean to join (vid., Psa 2:12) and instead of carpere, the idea more closely connected with the root is that of stringere, cf. stringere folia ex arboribus (Caesar), and stringere (to diminish, to squander, strip) rem ingluvie (Horace, Sat. i. 2. 8). The lxx has here read חסר (Pro 28:22), diminution, decay, instead of חסד (shame); the quid pro quo is not bad, the Syr. accepts it, and the miseros facit of Jerome, and Luther's verderben (destruction) corresponds with this phrase better than with the common traditional reading which Symmachus rightly renders by ὄνειδος.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Righteousness--just principles and actions. exalteth--raises to honor. is a reproach--brings on them the ill-will of others (compare Pro 13:6).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Righteousness exalteth a nation,.... Administered by the government, and exercised by subjects towards one another; doing justice between man and man: this exalts a nation, as it did the people of Israel, while practised among them; this sets a people above their neighbours, and high in the esteem of God and men; and is attended with privileges and blessings, which make a nation great and honourable. Some understand this of aims deeds, or beneficence to the poor; which, both in the Hebrew and Greek languages, is called righteousness; See Gill on Mat 6:1. It may be put for the whole of true religion, which is an honour to a nation, where it obtains; and is what makes the holy nation, and peculiar people, so truly illustrious; and particularly the righteousness of Christ makes such who are interested in it really great and noble, and promotes and exalts them to heaven and happiness; but sin is a reproach to any people; where vice reigns, iniquity abounds, profaneness, impiety, and immorality of all sorts prevail, a people become mean and despicable; they fall into poverty and contempt; are neither able to defend themselves, nor help their neighbours, and so are despised by them. The word rendered "reproach" most commonly signifies "mercy" or goodness; and some render it, "and the mercy of a people is a sin offering" (p); or as one: or it is so "to the nations"; it is as good as a sacrifice for sin, of which the word is sometimes used, or better, more acceptable to God, "who will have mercy, and not sacrifice", Mat 9:13; even beneficence and kindness to the poor, the same with righteousness, as before. I think it may be as well rendered, "the piety" or religion "of the nations is sin" (q); it being idolatry, as Aben Ezra observes: such is the religion of the antichristian nations, who worship idols of gold and silver; and though they may afflict themselves, as Gersom remarks of the idolatrous nations, with fasting and penance, with whippings and scourgings; yet it is nothing else but sin, will worship, and superstition. (p) "beneficentia expiatio est populi", Grotius; "sacrificium expiatorium", Tigurine version; "velut sacrificium pro peccato", Vatablus, Gejerus; "gratuita beneificentia nationibus est aliquid sacrificium peccati expiatorium", Gussetius, p. 74. (q) "Pietas nationum est peccatium", Munster, Mercerus; "studium nationum peccatum", Cocceius.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Note, 1. Justice, reigning in a nation, puts an honour upon it. A righteous administration of the government, impartial equity between man and man, public countenance given to religion, the general practice and profession of virtue, the protecting and preserving of virtuous men, charity and compassion to strangers (alms are sometimes called righteousness), these exalt a nation; they uphold the throne, elevate the people's minds, and qualify a nation for the favour of God, which will make them high, as a holy nation, Deu 26:19. 2. Vice, reigning in a nation, puts disgrace upon it: Sin is a reproach to any city or kingdom, and renders them despicable among their neighbours. The people of Israel were often instances of both parts of this observation; they were great when they were good, but when they forsook God all about them insulted them and trampled on them. It is therefore the interest and duty of princes to use their power for the suppression of vice and support of virtue.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
14:34 A great nation is not defined by wealth, power, or military victories (14:28) but by godliness.
Proverbs 14:34
The Wise Woman
33Wisdom rests in the heart of the discerning; even among fools she is known. 34Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Prohibition (Edited)
By Billy Sunday6.8K01:05PRO 14:34PRO 20:1MAT 6:33ACT 4:12ROM 13:11CO 6:19EPH 5:18In this sermon, the preacher highlights the negative impact of excessive taxation on alcohol in America. He argues that the government's decision to impose a $2 tax on whiskey and a $5 tax on beer will have detrimental effects on the economy. The preacher suggests that instead of focusing on repeal, America needs to focus on repentance and righteousness. He emphasizes the need for Jesus and spiritual transformation rather than relying on material possessions or engaging in destructive behaviors. The sermon encourages listeners to turn to God for guidance and salvation.
Turning the Tide - Part 1
By Charles Stanley3.6K09:30PRO 11:14PRO 14:34PRO 22:7PRO 22:16PRO 22:28PRO 23:4PRO 24:21PRO 29:2PRO 29:4PRO 29:14This sermon emphasizes the importance of heeding God's warnings throughout history to avoid the consequences of disobedience. It reflects on the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden as a cautionary tale of not listening to God's instructions. The sermon highlights the current state of the nation, warning about the dangers of ignoring biblical principles and the impact of poor leadership. It also addresses the financial crisis and the shift towards socialism, urging listeners to consider the implications for future generations.
Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 1
By Alan Cairns3.4K09:08PSA 33:12PRO 14:34PRO 29:2MIC 6:8MAT 22:21ROM 6:232CO 10:5EPH 5:111TI 2:11PE 5:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of discerning between different sins and understanding that while all sin is damnable, not all sin is equal. It encourages believers to engage in the political process with a discerning eye, recognizing the threats to Christian morality and the right of Christianity to exist in society. The message underscores the need for God's people to stand against anti-Christian ideologies and to make informed decisions based on God's truth.
National Religious Apostasy (4)
By Albert N. Martin3.3K1:15:13Apostasy2CH 7:14PRO 14:34ISA 59:2JER 18:8MAT 6:33ROM 1:281JN 1:9In this sermon on "God's Word to Our Nation," the speaker focuses on the theme of righteousness and sin in relation to a nation. The key scripture used is Proverbs 14:34, which states that righteousness exalts a nation while sin is a reproach. The speaker emphasizes the need for denouncing national sins and calling for repentance and reformation. Two major sins highlighted are moral degeneracy, particularly the sins of murder and sexual perversion, and religious apostasy, which is turning away from the principles of revealed religion. The sermon emphasizes God's detestation of apostasy and the consequences that follow.
Open Air Meeting - Part 2
By Billy Sunday3.0K02:47PSA 33:12PRO 14:34MAT 22:21ROM 13:11PE 2:13This sermon addresses the presence of bootleggers, moonshiners, and moral decay in society, emphasizing the importance of upholding moral values and the role of faith in God and Jesus Christ in maintaining civilization. It calls for the enforcement of laws and the preservation of American values, urging individuals to embrace the principles of citizenship and loyalty to the nation.
Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 6
By Alan Cairns2.6K08:12DEU 30:19PSA 9:17PRO 14:34JER 2:34MAT 12:30This sermon emphasizes the importance of not forgetting the innocent bloodshed and the consequences of a nation turning away from God's covenant mercies. It warns against being divorced from God and His covenant, highlighting the need for nations to remember God to avoid destruction. The message stresses the idea that there is no neutral ground in the spiritual battle, quoting Jesus' words that one is either for Him or against Him, with no middle ground.
Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 5
By Alan Cairns2.6K09:42PSA 9:17PRO 14:34ISA 5:20MAT 16:26ROM 6:23This sermon emphasizes the reality of hell and the warning it presents to individuals and nations. It discusses the downfall of once-great superpowers who neglected their spiritual responsibilities, leading to their ultimate destruction. The message highlights the importance of a nation's relationship with God and the consequences of turning away from Him, using historical examples to illustrate the dangers of forsaking God for worldly pursuits.
National Moral Degeneracy (2)
By Albert N. Martin1.9K1:10:00Moral DegeneracyPSA 9:8PRO 14:34JER 1:5EZK 18:20MAT 6:33ROM 13:11TI 2:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by clarifying that he is not claiming direct revelation or special inspiration, but rather deriving his message from the Word of God in Holy Scripture. He also emphasizes the importance of not equating Israel with any other nation, while acknowledging that there may be abiding principles. The sermon then focuses on the theme of God's Word to our nation, discussing four fundamental facts asserted in the Bible: God's sovereign rule over nations, His righteous judgment of nations, His unrivaled right to address nations, and the principle of individuals standing in solidarity with their nations. The speaker uses Proverbs 14:34 as the basis and framework for understanding God's Word to the United States of America, emphasizing the significance of righteousness for a nation's exaltation and the reproach of sin.
Turning the Tide - Part 3
By Charles Stanley1.8K08:392CH 7:14PSA 33:12PRO 14:34JAS 5:161PE 4:17This sermon emphasizes the importance of upholding the biblical view of marriage as between a husband and a wife, highlighting the consequences of straying from God's design. It also addresses the correlation between societal wickedness and disasters, urging believers to humble themselves, pray, seek God's face, and turn from wickedness to bring about healing and restoration. The call to prayer for the nation is extended, emphasizing the need for righteousness and obedience to accompany fervent intercession for lasting change.
(Through the Bible) Proverbs 11-15
By Chuck Smith1.8K1:23:21PRO 11:1PRO 14:34LUK 12:16In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of studying and applying the word of God. He encourages the listeners to not just be hearers of the word, but to also be doers. The preacher emphasizes the consequences of wealth obtained through dishonest means and the blessings that come from hard work. He also highlights the impact of hope deferred and the importance of fearing and obeying God's commandments. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the power of a soft answer in diffusing anger.
God Is Good
By Ralph Sexton1.6K26:26GEN 2:242CH 7:14PSA 51:10PRO 14:34PRO 29:1JER 1:12MAT 5:13LUK 19:411TI 5:8JAS 4:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's blessings and mercy in our lives, warning about the consequences of neglecting Him and the potential for His anger. It calls for a return to faith, moral values, and integrity, highlighting the significance of repentance and spiritual revival in the face of societal challenges and materialism.
(Through the Bible) 2 Kings 9-16
By Chuck Smith1.5K1:35:37PRO 14:34HAB 1:1In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of a successful farmer in the New Testament who, upon achieving all his dreams and goals, decides to build bigger barns to store his wealth. However, God tells him that his soul will be required that very night, emphasizing the fragility of life. The speaker then discusses the responsibility that comes with knowledge and quotes the Bible, stating that righteousness exalts a nation while sin brings reproach. The sermon also references the prophet Habakkuk, who questions God's inaction in the face of a corrupt nation. God responds by revealing that He will bring Babylon to take Judah captive. The speaker concludes by mentioning the desecration of the temple by King Ahaz and the reasons for Israel's fall, which will be discussed in the next sermon.
Righteousness Exalts a Nation
By Art Katz1.5K55:29Righteousness2CH 7:14PSA 119:105PRO 14:34ISA 1:18MAT 6:33ROM 1:16JAS 1:22In this sermon, the speaker expresses his concern about the dissipation of spiritual energy and the lessening of the impact of the word of God when multiple texts are brought into a single message. He suggests that it would be more effective to focus on one text, exposit it, and draw out its meaning and application for the audience. The speaker shares a personal experience where he confronted a minister about this issue and later received guidance from the Lord on how to bring the word effectively. The central theme of the sermon is the exaltation of a nation through righteousness, which the speaker believes is the answer to the poverty and degradation that plagues many nations.
K-501 the Holocaust as Judgment (2 of 2)
By Art Katz1.3K20:44HolocaustEXO 3:5EXO 14:15PSA 85:10PRO 14:34MAT 6:33ACT 2:38ROM 1:18In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the changing role of children in society and the impact of World War I. They emphasize the destructive nature of war and the failure of attempts to restore peace through democracy. The speaker calls for a deeper consecration to God and a recognition of His triune nature. They also emphasize the importance of embracing God's judgment and discipline, as well as the need for a change in the church's perspective on historical events such as the Holocaust.
The Basic Requirements of Obedience
By Chuck Smith98625:05ObedienceLEV 26:1PRO 14:34In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith focuses on the Book of Leviticus and the importance of obedience to God's commandments. He emphasizes that the strength of a nation lies in the faith of its people and their trust in God. Pastor Chuck explains that if the people walk in God's statutes and keep His commandments, they will receive blessings such as rain in its season, abundant produce, and safety in their land. However, if they disobey and rebel against God's commandments, they will face tragic consequences such as terror, disease, and the loss of their crops to enemies. The sermon concludes with an invitation to embrace God's Spirit and allow Him to fill and transform their lives.
David as He Avenges the Gibionites
By Chuck Smith98325:05GibionitesEXO 20:3DEU 6:132SA 21:12SA 21:14PRO 14:34MAT 6:33In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the story of David and the famine that occurred during his reign. David seeks the face of Jehovah and discovers that the famine is a result of Saul's actions in slaying the Gibeonites. Pastor Chuck emphasizes the importance of seeking God's face and calling out to Him in times of trouble. He also highlights the moral decline of the nation and the need for God's people to turn away from worldly distractions and seek Him earnestly.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 38
By Don Courville35431:17Radio ShowJDG 17:6PRO 14:34HAG 1:5HAG 1:7MAT 6:33In this sermon, James Hitchcock discusses the state of America and the need for a religious revival. He emphasizes the importance of understanding what is happening in the news media and school systems. Hitchcock highlights the growing strength and militancy of Evangelical Protestants, which has caused panic among secularists. He also emphasizes the need for righteousness to exalt the nation and the importance of prayer and turning back to God for a revival in America.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 173
By Don Courville29825:35Radio ShowGEN 4:8GEN 5:24GEN 5:27GEN 6:14NUM 12:3PRO 14:34JER 44:4MAT 11:28JHN 3:3ACT 7:59In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for individuals, families, churches, and communities to turn back to God and bring about a revival. He encourages listeners to approach their city fathers and local authorities to address the violation of God's principles in their communities. The speaker highlights the importance of repentance and acknowledges that America is in a desperate situation due to turning away from God and accepting unbiblical teachings and doctrines. He shares a powerful story of a man who was protected by God in battle, illustrating the significance of American history intertwined with faith.
God Goes to Washington
By Aimee Semple McPherson7540:49RevivalFaith in America2CH 7:14PSA 33:12PRO 14:34JER 29:11MAT 5:14Aimee Semple McPherson emphasizes the profound impact of faith on the founding and future of America, urging a return to the principles of prayer and the Bible that shaped the nation. She calls for a revival that transcends borders, highlighting the importance of God in Washington and the need for citizens to stand firm in their faith amidst rising secularism and destructive ideologies. McPherson passionately reminds her audience of the historical significance of prayer in American governance and the necessity of maintaining a moral compass rooted in scripture. She encourages individuals to embrace their Christian identity and actively participate in the revival of faith in their communities and the nation. The sermon culminates in a heartfelt invitation for all to accept Christ and commit to living out their faith.
Ezekiel 22:30
By Chuck Smith1God's CallIntercession2CH 7:14PRO 14:34ISA 59:16JER 5:1EZK 22:30MAT 6:33ROM 3:232TI 4:3JAS 4:101PE 5:8Chuck Smith emphasizes that God is actively seeking individuals to serve Him, highlighting the deplorable state of Judah, where corruption permeated leadership, the priesthood, and the prophets. Despite the nation's moral decay and rejection of God's guidance, God remains merciful and desires repentance, searching for someone to intercede on behalf of the people. However, He found none willing to stand in the gap, leading to inevitable judgment. Smith draws parallels to contemporary society, urging listeners to recognize the need for righteousness and the importance of seeking God amidst a morally corrupt world.
Decaying Foundations
By Russell DeLong02CH 7:14PSA 11:3PRO 14:34ISA 59:21JN 1:9Russell DeLong delivers a powerful sermon on the importance of rebuilding the foundations of faith and morality in a society that is facing moral decay and spiritual emptiness. Drawing parallels between the early American pioneers who sought God's guidance and the current state of the nation, he emphasizes the need to return to a personal relationship with God and a belief in His purpose for humanity. DeLong highlights the alarming statistics of declining church attendance, moral standards, and increasing crime rates as indicators of a society in need of spiritual revival and restoration of ethical values.
Changing the Politicians Themselves
By Robert P. Jr Dugan0PRO 11:14PRO 14:34PRO 21:1PRO 29:2ROM 13:11TI 2:11PE 2:13Robert P. Jr Dugan preaches about the importance of political involvement and the impact of volunteers in shaping history through elections. He emphasizes the power of citizens to influence politicians through grassroots efforts and elections, highlighting the significance of being actively engaged in the political process to bring about change. Dugan uses examples from past presidential, senate, and house elections to illustrate how narrow victories and close margins can determine the course of history, stressing the need for citizens, including evangelicals, to participate in campaigns and support candidates aligned with their values.
The Message of 1 Chronicles
By G. Campbell Morgan0National AccountabilityRecognition of God1CH 16:29PSA 127:1PRO 14:34ISA 40:23G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the vital role of recognizing God in the national life of Israel as illustrated in 1 Chronicles. He discusses the genealogies as a demonstration of God's divine selection and purpose, leading to the ultimate goal of establishing a relationship with Him. Morgan highlights David's life, showcasing his passion for the temple and submission to God's will, which reflects the importance of national accountability to God. The sermon underscores that a nation's moral standards and character are deeply influenced by its recognition of God, making it essential for societal stability. Ultimately, the message calls for nations today to acknowledge God's sovereignty and guidance in their lives.
Righteousness Exalts a Nation:
By Art Katz0Faith in AdversityRighteousnessPRO 14:34MAT 6:33JHN 16:26Art Katz emphasizes the transformative power of the gospel in Africa, urging that true faith and a comprehensive lifestyle rooted in apostolic belief are essential for overcoming the oppressive realities faced by the continent. He highlights that the promise of God is contingent upon knowing His character and nature, which requires a deep trust and alignment with His will. Katz asserts that the church in Africa must focus on glorifying God's name rather than merely alleviating poverty, as this is the true essence of their faith. He calls for a shared abhorrence of iniquity among believers, stressing that righteousness is crucial for the exaltation of nations. Ultimately, Katz encourages the Western church to support their African brethren in faith, learning from their reliance on God amidst adversity.
Righteousness Exalts a Nation
By Thomas Brooks0National IntegrityRighteousness2CH 7:14PSA 33:12PSA 37:27PRO 14:34PRO 21:3ISA 1:17JER 22:3MIC 6:8MAT 5:6ROM 1:17Thomas Brooks emphasizes that righteousness is the true foundation for a nation's greatness, contrasting it with the futility of wealth, military power, and political strategy. He argues that it is not external factors that elevate a nation, but rather its commitment to justice and righteousness. Brooks warns that if a nation allows injustice to flourish, it will face divine consequences, urging a return to righteousness for true honor and security. He specifically calls out England, cautioning against the dangers of supporting the wicked while oppressing the righteous.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
Two proverbs follow regarding the state and its ruler: 34 Righteousness exalteth a nation, And sin is a disgrace to the people. The Hebr. language is richer in synonyms of "the people" than the German. גּוי (formed like the non-bibl. מוי, water, and נוי, corporealness, from גּוה, to extend itself from within outward; cf. Pro 9:3, גּפּי, Pro 10:13, גּו) is, according to the usus loq., like natio the people, as a mass swollen up from a common origin, and עם, 28a (from עמם, to bind), the people as a confederation held together by a common law; לאם (from לאם, to unite, bind together) is the mass (multitude) of the people, and is interchanged sometimes with גוי, Gen 25:23, and sometimes with עם, Pro 14:28. In this proverb, לאמּים stands indeed intentionally in the plur., but not גוי, with the plur. of which גּוים, the idea of the non-Israelitish nations, too easily connects itself. The proverb means all nations without distinction, even Israel (cf. under Isa 1:4) not excluded. History everywhere confirms the principle, that not the numerical, nor the warlike, nor the political, nor yet the intellectual and the so-called civilized greatness, is the true greatness of a nation, and determines the condition of its future as one of progress; but this is its true greatness, that in its private, public, and international life, צדקה, i.e., conduct directed by the will of God, according to the norm of moral rectitude, rules and prevails. Righteousness, good manners, and piety are the things which secure to a nation a place of honour, while, on the contrary, חטּאת, sin, viz., prevailing, and more favoured and fostered than contended against in the consciousness of the moral problem of the state, is a disgrace to the people, i.e., it lowers them before God, and also before men who do not judge superficially or perversely, and also actually brings them down. רומם, to raise up, is to be understood after Isa 1:2, cf. Pro 23:4, and is to be punctuated תּרומם, with Munach of the penult., and the העמדה-sign with the Tsere of the last syllable. Ben-Naphtali punctuates thus: תּרומם. In 34b all the artifices of interpretation (from Nachmani to Schultens) are to be rejected, which interpret חסד as the Venet. (ἔλεος δὲ λαῶν ἁμαρτία) in its predominant Hebrew signification. It has here, as at Lev 20:17 (but not Job 6:14), the signification of the Syr. chesdho, opprobrium; the Targ. חסדּא, or more frequently חסּוּדא, as among Jewish interpreters, is recognised by Chanan'el and Rashbam. That this חסד is not foreign to the Mishle style, is seen from the fact that חסּד, Pro 25:10, is used in the sense of the Syr. chasedh. The synon. Syr. chasam, invidere, obtrectare, shows that these verbal stems are formed from the R. הס, stringere, to strike. Already it is in some measure perceived how חסד, Syr. chasadh, Arab. hasada, may acquire the meaning of violent love, and by the mediation of the jealousy which is connected with violent love, the signification of grudging, and thus of reproach and of envy; yet this is more manifest if one thinks of the root-signification stringere, in the meaning of loving, as referred to the subject, in the meanings of disgrace and envy, as from the subject directed to others. Ewald (51c) compares חסל and חסר, Ethiop. chasra, in the sense of carpere, and on the other side חסה in the sense of "to join;" but חסה does not mean to join (vid., Psa 2:12) and instead of carpere, the idea more closely connected with the root is that of stringere, cf. stringere folia ex arboribus (Caesar), and stringere (to diminish, to squander, strip) rem ingluvie (Horace, Sat. i. 2. 8). The lxx has here read חסר (Pro 28:22), diminution, decay, instead of חסד (shame); the quid pro quo is not bad, the Syr. accepts it, and the miseros facit of Jerome, and Luther's verderben (destruction) corresponds with this phrase better than with the common traditional reading which Symmachus rightly renders by ὄνειδος.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Righteousness--just principles and actions. exalteth--raises to honor. is a reproach--brings on them the ill-will of others (compare Pro 13:6).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Righteousness exalteth a nation,.... Administered by the government, and exercised by subjects towards one another; doing justice between man and man: this exalts a nation, as it did the people of Israel, while practised among them; this sets a people above their neighbours, and high in the esteem of God and men; and is attended with privileges and blessings, which make a nation great and honourable. Some understand this of aims deeds, or beneficence to the poor; which, both in the Hebrew and Greek languages, is called righteousness; See Gill on Mat 6:1. It may be put for the whole of true religion, which is an honour to a nation, where it obtains; and is what makes the holy nation, and peculiar people, so truly illustrious; and particularly the righteousness of Christ makes such who are interested in it really great and noble, and promotes and exalts them to heaven and happiness; but sin is a reproach to any people; where vice reigns, iniquity abounds, profaneness, impiety, and immorality of all sorts prevail, a people become mean and despicable; they fall into poverty and contempt; are neither able to defend themselves, nor help their neighbours, and so are despised by them. The word rendered "reproach" most commonly signifies "mercy" or goodness; and some render it, "and the mercy of a people is a sin offering" (p); or as one: or it is so "to the nations"; it is as good as a sacrifice for sin, of which the word is sometimes used, or better, more acceptable to God, "who will have mercy, and not sacrifice", Mat 9:13; even beneficence and kindness to the poor, the same with righteousness, as before. I think it may be as well rendered, "the piety" or religion "of the nations is sin" (q); it being idolatry, as Aben Ezra observes: such is the religion of the antichristian nations, who worship idols of gold and silver; and though they may afflict themselves, as Gersom remarks of the idolatrous nations, with fasting and penance, with whippings and scourgings; yet it is nothing else but sin, will worship, and superstition. (p) "beneficentia expiatio est populi", Grotius; "sacrificium expiatorium", Tigurine version; "velut sacrificium pro peccato", Vatablus, Gejerus; "gratuita beneificentia nationibus est aliquid sacrificium peccati expiatorium", Gussetius, p. 74. (q) "Pietas nationum est peccatium", Munster, Mercerus; "studium nationum peccatum", Cocceius.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Note, 1. Justice, reigning in a nation, puts an honour upon it. A righteous administration of the government, impartial equity between man and man, public countenance given to religion, the general practice and profession of virtue, the protecting and preserving of virtuous men, charity and compassion to strangers (alms are sometimes called righteousness), these exalt a nation; they uphold the throne, elevate the people's minds, and qualify a nation for the favour of God, which will make them high, as a holy nation, Deu 26:19. 2. Vice, reigning in a nation, puts disgrace upon it: Sin is a reproach to any city or kingdom, and renders them despicable among their neighbours. The people of Israel were often instances of both parts of this observation; they were great when they were good, but when they forsook God all about them insulted them and trampled on them. It is therefore the interest and duty of princes to use their power for the suppression of vice and support of virtue.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
14:34 A great nation is not defined by wealth, power, or military victories (14:28) but by godliness.