Happy Independence Day, America!
Today’s Text: Proverbs 14:34
SEASONS

Solomon experientially understood national success. Under his leadership as king, Israel was the envy of the world. While world leaders have pondered approaches and formulas for making nations great, Solomon—who was known for his God-given wisdom—articulated the essence of national greatness in just four words:

PROVERBS 14:34

Righteousness exalts a nation . . .

More than a maxim, Solomon’s insight embodies a timeless principle that righteousness exalts or elevates a nation. In context, “righteousness” implies moral accountability to the One-True God. Fleeing religious persecution in Europe, America’s founding fathers got it!

While seldom taught in the classroom today, history documents those men’s determination to build a society that would honor the God of the Bible and a popular culture that would also allow for the free expression of faith.

The Declaration of Independence declared on July 4, 1776 and the Constitution of the United States of America ratified 12 years later on June 21, 1788 demonstrate not just the distinctive Judeo-Christian worldview of that generation, but the resolve to live in accordance with the principles and precepts of the Bible.

John Adams, a key framer of the constitution and America’s second president, unequivocally stated,

“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

The obvious inference is that the framework for freedom incorporated into America’s founding documents presumes a righteous population that espouses a unified moral code, which is the Judeo-Christian worldview. The foundation for such a society is a reverence for God’s Word, the Holy Bible.

Presidents have consistently reaffirmed the centrality of the Bible in American life over the past 242 years of U.S. history. Calvin Coolidge, America’s 30^th president, explained,

“The foundations of our society and our government rest so much on the teachings of the Bible that it would be difficult to support them if faith in these teachings would cease to be practically universal in our country.”

The late great Ronald Reagan was more pithy in his observation:  

“If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.”

On this 242^nd anniversary of America’s independence, let’s celebrate the fact that the founding fathers of our nation recognized the importance of Solomon’s wisdom. Righteousness—moral rightness with God and fellow man—elevates nations to greatness!

Have a Happy 4th of July!

Charles E. McCracken is an international Bible teacher, long-time friend of Israel and advocate for the Jewish people. Rev. McCracken is known for authentically in communicating biblical truth that makes his presentations relevant for those seeking to understand the significance of Israel and the church in Bible prophecy. He staunchly supports the nation of Israel and the Jewish people’s right to exist and live in peace.

© Charles E. McCracken 2016, devotional comments only. Repost/Reprint with permission from the author via Contact Form under ABOUT. Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. (Emphasis added.)

IMAGE:
1) Flag flying on the U.S. Capitol. By US Capitol [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons – Enhancement: MKM Portfolios

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