Proverbs 14:34

Exalteth a nation. Righteousness here implies rightdoing in every relationship. In the case of individuals, the results of rightdoing or wrongdoing are not always immediately apparent. Some good men have spent their lives in want and woe, while wicked men have seemed to enjoy the pleasures of sin. The psalmist observed this seeming reversal of the divine rule, and only by looking to the future rewards was he reassured as to the dealings of God with man (Ps. 73). But in the case of nations this statement appears to be more generally worked out, even though the working may be slow. Nations are given a period of probation to see whether they will fulfill the divine purpose or not. When they reject God's principles they invite ruin.