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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 14:34

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... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 14:34

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... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 14:34

But sin is a reproach to any people - I am satisfied this is not the sense of the original, חטאת לאמים וחסד vechesed leummim chattath ; which would be better rendered, And mercy is a sin-offering for the people. The Vulgate has, Miseros autem facit populos peccatum , "sin makes the people wretched." Ελασσονουσι δε φυλας ἁμαρτιαι ; "But sins lessen the tribes." - Septuagint. So also the Syriac and Arabic. The plain meaning of the original seems to be, A national disposition to mercy... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 14:28-35

Life contrasts I. IN PUBLIC LIFE . 1 . Fulness and scantiness of population. ( Proverbs 14:28 .) The Hebrew had a deep sense of the value of fruitfulness in the wedded life, and of increase in the nation. The majesty of the monarch is the reflection of the greatness of his people, and the decay must represent itself in his feebleness for action. It is our duty as Christian men to study with intelligence political questions, and to support all measures which tend to freedom... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 14:34

Righteousness exalteth a nation. "Righteousness" ( Proverbs 10:2 ) is the rendering to all their due, whether to God or man. We are taught the salutary lesson that a nation's real greatness consists not in its conquests, magnificence, military or artistic skill, but in its observance of the requirements of justice and religion. Hesiod, εργ . 223— οἱ δὲ δίκας ξείνοισι καὶ ἐνδήμοισι διδοῦσιν ἰθείας καὶ μή τι παρεκβαίνουσι δικαίου τοῖσι τέθηλε πόλις λαοὶ δ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 14:34

National righteousness I. RIGHTEOUSNESS IS REQUIRED IN A NATION . Morality has not yet been sufficiently applied to politics. It is forgotten that the ten commandments relate to communities as well as to individuals, because they are based on the eternal and all-embracing principles of righteousness. Men have yet to learn that that which is wrong in the individual is wrong in the society. Nations make war on one another for reasons which would never justify individual men in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 14:34

The strength and the reproach of nations I. SIN THE NATION 'S SHAME . 1 . A sinful nation in the sight of God. This is a nation of which the people have gone astray from him; do not approach him in worship; do not consult his will as revealed in his Word; have no ear to lend to those that speak in his Name; lose all sense of sacred duty in the pursuit of gain and pleasure. 2 . The flagrant guilt to which such godlessness leads down. 3 . This is the reproach to... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 14:34

Proverbs 14:34. Righteousness exalteth a nation A righteous administration of the government of it, 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, mercy, humanity, and kindness to strangers and enemies: these things put honour upon a nation, and exalt it in the eyes of God, and of all other nations. But sin is a reproach to any people Brings contempt and ruin upon... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 14:1-35

Hidden feelings and motives (14:1-35)Wisdom builds, but folly destroys. People’s actions reveal their attitude to God (14:1-2). The wisdom of their speech and their commitment to hard work are among the things that determine whether they progress or come to ruin (3-5). Those who think they know everything can never become truly wise and therefore can never have right discernment in the moral issues of life (6-8).Good people may prosper and evil people may suffer loss, but outward appearances do... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 14:34

exalteth . . . But, &c. Illustrations: Deuteronomy 4:6 ; Deu 4:28 ; 1 Kings 9:7-9 ; 2 Chronicles 15:3 , 2Ch 15:5 , 2 Chronicles 15:6 ; compare Joshua 1:8 ; Joshua 10:42 ; Joshua 23:14 with Judges 1:2 , &c.; compare 2 Chronicles 17:2-5 , 2 Chronicles 17:10 , 2 Chronicles 17:11 , and 2 Kings 18:7 with 2 Kings 16:0 . Compare the Canaanites (Leviticus 18:24-30 ); Egypt (Exodus 12:12 .Ezekiel 29:1-15; Ezekiel 29:1-15 ); Amalekites (Exodus 17:16 . 1 Samuel 15:0 ; Babylon (Isaiah 14:4-23... read more

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