exalts
The term "exalts" comes from the Hebrew "רוּם" (rum), meaning to lift up or elevate. This word suggests that righteousness has the power to elevate a nation, bringing it honor, prosperity, and divine favor. Historically, nations that have embraced principles of justice and moral integrity have often experienced stability and growth. From a biblical standpoint, when a nation collectively seeks to uphold God's standards, it is lifted up in the eyes of God and man, experiencing blessings and influence.

a nation
The phrase "a nation" refers to a collective group of people bound by common identity, culture, and governance. In the biblical context, this often referred to Israel, God's chosen people, but it can also apply to any nation that seeks to align itself with God's principles. The health and prosperity of a nation are seen as directly linked to its moral and spiritual state. Conservative Christian thought emphasizes the importance of national repentance and revival, urging nations to return to biblical values to experience God's blessing.

but sin
"Sin" is translated from the Hebrew word "חַטָּאת" (chatta'ah), which means to miss the mark or to transgress. Sin is the antithesis of righteousness and represents rebellion against God's laws. It is a moral failing that brings about separation from God and leads to societal decay. In the biblical narrative, sin is often depicted as the root cause of a nation's downfall, leading to judgment and destruction. Conservative Christianity stresses the need for repentance and turning away from sin to restore right standing with God.

is a disgrace
The word "disgrace" is derived from the Hebrew "חֶסֶד" (chesed), which in this context means shame or reproach. Sin brings disgrace to a nation by tarnishing its reputation and leading to negative consequences. Historically, nations that have embraced sinful practices have faced internal strife, economic decline, and loss of influence. From a conservative Christian viewpoint, sin not only dishonors God but also brings shame upon a nation, highlighting the urgent need for moral and spiritual renewal.

to any people
This phrase emphasizes the universal application of the proverb. "Any people" indicates that the principles of righteousness and sin apply to all nations and cultures, regardless of their historical or geographical context. The moral and spiritual laws of God are seen as universal truths that transcend time and place. Conservative Christianity holds that every nation is accountable to God and that adherence to His principles is essential for true prosperity and honor.

Οἱ δὲ δίκας ξείνοισι καὶ ἐνδήμοισι διδοῦσιν
Ἰθείας καὶ μή τι παρεκβαίνουσι δικαίου
Τοῖσι τέθηλε πόλις λαοὶ δ ἀνθεῦσιν ἐν αὐτῇ But sin is a reproach to any people; to peoples. The words for "nation" (goi) and "peoples" (leummim) are usually applied to foreign nations rather than to the Hebrews; and Wordsworth sees here a statement a fortiori: if righteousness exalts and sin degrades heathen nations, how much more must this be the case with God's own people, who have clearer revelations and heavier responsibilities! חֶסֶד (chesed) occurs in the sense of "reproach," in Leviticus 20:17, and with a different punctuation in Proverbs 25:10 of this book. Its more usual meaning is "mercy" or "piety;" hence some have explained the clause: "The piety of the peoples, i.e. the worship of the heathen, is sin; and others, taking "sin" as put metonymically for "sin offering," render: "Piety is an atonement for the peoples." But there is no doubt that the Authorized Version is correct (comp. Proverbs 11:11). Thus Symmachus renders it by ὄνειδος, "shame;" and in the same sense the Chaldee Paraphrase. The Vulgate and Septuagint, owing to the common confusion of the letters daleth and resh, have read cheser instead of chesed, and render thus: Vulgate, "Sin makes peoples miserable;" Septuagint, "Sins diminish tribes." The sin of nations contrasted with the righteousness in the first clause must be injustice, impiety, and violence. See a grand passage in the fifth book of St. Augustine's 'De Civitate Dei,' ch. 12.

Parallel Commentaries ...