Righteousness Exalts a Nation
The sermon emphasizes the importance of righteousness in exalting a nation and warns against the consequences of injustice.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes that righteousness is the true foundation for a nation's greatness, contrasting it with the futility of wealth, military power, and political strategy. He argues that it is not external factors that elevate a nation, but rather its commitment to justice and righteousness. Brooks warns that if a nation allows injustice to flourish, it will face divine consequences, urging a return to righteousness for true honor and security. He specifically calls out England, cautioning against the dangers of supporting the wicked while oppressing the righteous.
Text
"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!
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Righteousness
- What Exalts a Nation
- The Consequences of Injustice
- Injustice will lead to divine vengeance
- A nation that exalts injustice will be brought low
Key Quotes
“It is not valor in war--but righteousness; it is not policy in government--but righteousness;” — Thomas Brooks
“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;” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- A nation's greatness is not measured by its wealth or military power, but by its commitment to justice and righteousness.
- Injustice will ultimately lead to divine vengeance and the downfall of a nation.
- Righteousness is the key to a nation's honor, safety, and security.