Proverbs 14:34 (BSB)

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.

From Proverbs 14. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Proverbs 14:34

• Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on 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...
• John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on 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.
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (Reformed), Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible on Proverbs 14:34: Righteousness--just principles and actions. exalteth--raises to honor. is a reproach--brings on them the ill-will of others (compare Pro 13:6).
• Keil & Delitzsch (Lutheran), Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament on Proverbs 14:34: Pro 14:34 Two proverbs follow regarding the state and its ruler: 34 Righteousness exalteth a nation, And sin is a disgrace to the people. The Hebr. language is richer in synonyms of “the people” than the German. גּוי (formed like the non-bibl. מוי, water, and נוי, corporealness, from גּוה, to extend itself from within outward; cf.