Proverbs 14:18-35

“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34, NKJV)

Sometimes history gives us the best perspective. We can watch trends and patterns develop over time and then see how they play out. One such pattern is found in the book of Judges. Seven times the people turned away from the righteousness of God’s covenant and did whatever was right in their own eyes. And seven times they suffered the consequences of being attacked, overtaken, and made captives of an enemy. But when they turned back to the LORD and cried out to Him for deliverance, He raised up a new “judge” who delivered them from their enemy oppressor. Then they would enjoy peace and prosperity for a while until they turned away again from God and did evil in His sight.

This reminds me of a famous quote by Aldous Huxley:

“That men do not learn very much from the lessons of history is the most important of all the lessons that history has to teach.”

Sin is more than just a blemish on one’s personal record. Sin is an epidemic. It defiles an entire community...or even a nation. That is why Jesus warned His disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy (Luke 12:1). Jesus understood the power of sin to spread quickly and bring shame, slavery and destruction to everyone. This is why we must get rid of it as soon as we become aware of its presence.

But as surely as sin destroys, righteousness exalts. One can reverse the trend of corruption by simply confessing sin, turning from it, and pursuing righteousness. Righteousness can also spread through a community. When that happens, we call it revival. And it lifts people to spiritual prosperity and peace.

We may not be able to change an entire nation, but we can change ourselves and bless those around us by turning from sin and pursuing righteousness for the glory of God. May God help us!