14:34

Notice the parallel parts that contrast in meaning:

34a
Righteousness exalts a nation,

34b but sin is a disgrace to any people.

14:34a–b

Righteousness exalts…but sin is a disgrace: In 14:34a, Righteousness is personified. It is described as if it were a person who brings honor to a nation. Because of the contrasting parallel between Righteousness and sin in this verse, some versions also personify sin. For example:

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people. (New International Version (2011))

Righteousness and sin both refer here to a way of life, not to an occasional good deed or an occasional sin. When the people of a country live upright, righteous lives, their country becomes great as a result. When they live sinful lives, they bring disgrace or shame to the country.

If your language does not use personification the way this verse does, you may need to express the meaning differently. For example:

A nation’s reputation is improved by the righteous/upright lives of its people. Its reputation is ruined when its people live sinful lives.

a nation…any people: No distinction is intended between the terms nation and people. Both refer to a country or nation or to the collective group of people who live there.

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