The book of Proverbs states, "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).  In a previous article in our series, "Let the Bible Speak,” we dealt with the fact that righteousness exalts a nation in God’s sight.  We really need to look at the other side of the coin, for sin is a reproach to any people - or at least it should be! God has chosen to communicate His will to mankind by words.  Words have meaning; therefore, we must look at the words used in Proverbs 14:34.  

Although sin is considered as the figment of the imagination by too many today, it is nevertheless a reality to those that have not denied their culture and still understand that God is real.  Sin is defined in the dictionary as (1) an immoral act considered to violate divine law, or (2) an act regarded as a serious offense.  Sin is defined in the Bible in 1 John 3:4, "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.”  

Reproach is defined as an expression of disapproval or disappointment.  God is disappointed when we sin or ignore his will.  God disapproves of our transgressions of his will.  As stated in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, when summing up out goals in life, "Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil.”

 

The conclusion is clear.  The transgressions of God’s laws, as revealed in the Bible, are or should be, a reproach to any people or nation that endorses sin. As Americans we have always, in the past, respected those that lived by the principles revealed in the Bible.  Let us return to a profound respect for God, His Son, and His Word as revealed in the Bible.