Go! And Choose Righteousness - Proverbs 14:34
Dean Courtier
Proverbs 14:34 (NLT): “Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people.”
Introduction
Let me begin with a question: What makes a nation truly great? Is it wealth? Power? Freedom? Culture? Technology? None of these are inherently wrong, yet the Bible gives us a different answer — a divine perspective. One verse, simple yet profound, holds a powerful truth for individuals, families, communities, and nations:
“Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34)
In today’s world, where confusion, compromise, and chaos often define national identity and cultural values, we must come back to the unchanging truth of God’s Word. And it starts not with politicians, but with us, the Church — you and me — living out righteousness.
So today’s message is titled: “Go! And Choose Righteousness.”
Because when the people of God choose to walk in righteousness, the ripple effects can change communities — even nations.
1. Exegesis and Context of Proverbs 14:34
The Book of Proverbs is part of the Hebrew wisdom literature. Written primarily by King Solomon, it offers divinely inspired insights into godly living. Proverbs 14 contrasts the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked. Then, in verse 34, we zoom out from individuals to the collective — the nation.
"Godliness" (??????? – tsedaqah) = righteousness, justice, right living before God and others. It implies living in line with God’s standard, not our own.
"Disgrace" (????? – chêsed) here indicates shame, reproach, humiliation — often as a consequence of sinful rebellion.
The message is clear: righteousness exalts, sin degrades.
Psalm 33:12 (NLT): “What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord, whose people he has chosen as his inheritance.”
This verse connects national blessing to divine alignment. While written about Israel, the principle applies to any people who honour God.
It’s not about national flags waving or moral posturing — it’s about the Lord being truly God in the lives of His people.
Charles Stanley: “When a nation ceases to acknowledge God, the vacuum is quickly filled with immorality, injustice, and idolatry.”
Dr. Stanley’s words ring prophetically today. When God is sidelined, society spirals. But when God is central, there’s hope. So Church, we must go and live righteously, letting the world see who rules our hearts.
Micah 6:8 (NLT): “O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Hebrew Word Study:
Mishpat = justice
Chesed = lovingkindness
Hatznea lekhet = to walk humbly
Righteousness isn’t complicated — it’s daily obedience. It’s doing what’s right, loving others, and humbling ourselves before God.
Tim Keller: “The gospel is not just the ABCs but the A to Z of the Christian life.”
Righteousness flows from the Gospel. It’s not about being a “good person.” It’s about being transformed by Jesus and living His character in our world.
Romans 1:21–25 (NLT): “Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks... So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired.”
Paul is describing a godless culture spiralling into moral collapse — sound familiar?
When a nation rejects God, confusion and chaos follow. But when you and I live for Christ, we become beacons of truth.
John Piper: “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”
Church, the more we delight in God, the more our lives will reflect His righteousness, and the more our communities will see His glory.
Matthew 5:14–16 (NLT): “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden... let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
Greek Word Study:
Phos = light
Kalos ergon = good works that are noble, beautiful, excellent
Church, the world is watching. Your choices, your character, your compassion — they either point people to Jesus or away from Him.
Max Lucado: “You change your world by changing your heart.”
Godliness begins within. A Spirit-filled heart transforms a household. Households shape churches. Churches influence nations. It all starts with your heart and mine.
The Rotten Apple
Imagine a single rotten apple in a bowl of fresh ones. Leave it long enough and it spreads its rot. That’s what sin does in a nation. But flip that — what if instead of rot, there’s righteousness?
A single believer living righteously — in humility, in love, in obedience — can influence a family, a neighbourhood, a city.
The Hidden Spring
There was once a mountain village that enjoyed clean water from a hidden spring. Over time, the villagers forgot about the spring and let it fill with debris. The water turned foul. Only when they rediscovered the spring and cleaned it out did life return.
Church, Jesus is the spring of righteousness. Let us clear away the debris of sin and allow His living water to flow again in our homes and our land.
The Gospel Presentation: Christ is Our Righteousness
Let’s be clear. Righteousness isn’t about self-effort. It’s not “try harder” or “be better.”
Jesus Christ is the only truly righteous One.
He lived the perfect life we couldn’t.
He died the death we deserved.
He rose again to give us eternal life.
“For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” — 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NLT)
You don’t earn righteousness. You receive it by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ. And once saved, we’re called to live in the righteousness He provides.
Call to Action:
So, Church, what will you do?
Will you repent of hidden sin and embrace godliness?
Will you stand for truth in a world that calls evil good?
Will you be salt and light, even when it’s uncomfortable?
Let us go — and choose righteousness. Let us be the people whose lives magnify Christ. Let’s build families, churches, and communities that honour God above all else.
Invitation to Salvation:
If you are here today and you’ve never trusted in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour — now is the time. Righteousness is not something you achieve — it’s something you receive.
Would you pray today and say:
“Lord Jesus, I confess I am a sinner in need of Your mercy.
Thank You for dying on the cross for me.
I believe You rose again and I trust You as my Saviour.
Make me right with God.
Fill me with Your righteousness and help me follow You.
In Your name I pray, Amen.”
Benediction / Exhortation
Church, may you go from this place clothed in the righteousness of Christ.
May your life reflect His goodness.
May your words bring truth.
May your hands bring healing.
And may your faithfulness help lead a generation — and even a nation — back to God.
Go! And Choose Righteousness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
