Righteousness exalts a nation – Thomas Brooks

“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” Proverbs 14:34

It is not valor in war but righteousness;
it is not policy in government but righteousness;
it is not wittiness of invention but righteousness;
it is not civility in behavior but righteousness;
it is not antiquity of laws but righteousness;
it is not largeness of dominion but righteousness;
it is not greatness of command but righteousness
which is the honor and the safety, the renown and the security of a nation.

It is not rich mines of gold and silver, nor armies, nor councils, nor fleets, nor forts but justice and righteousness which exalts a nation; and which will make a lowly people to become a great, a glorious, and a famous people in the world. That nation which exalts righteousness that nation shall be certainly exalted by righteousness.

Ah! England, England! If injustice shall grow rampant, and you shall brandish the sword of protection to the desperate swearer, and to the cruel oppressor, and to the roaring drunkard, and to the cursing monster; and shall be a devouring sword to the upright and godly in the land divine vengeance will dig your grave, and divine justice will tumble you into it!