"Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people."

The word of God abounds in sharp and striking contrasts.  Sin and
holiness are placed side by side, that, beholding, we may hate and shun
the one, and love and embrace the other.  The pages that describe the
hatred, falsehood, and treachery of a Sanballat or a Tobiah, describe
also the nobility, devotion, and self-sacrifice of a Nehemiah or an
Ezra.  We are left free to copy either, as we choose.  The fearful
results of transgressing God's commandments are placed over against the
blessings resulting from obedience thereto.  We ourselves are to decide
whether we will suffer the one or enjoy the other.  The law of God
remains unchanged.  Like himself, it is pure, perfect, and eternal.  It
is not enough to profess to be keepers of that law.  The question is,
Are we carrying out its principles in our daily life?  "Righteousness
exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people."  Saith the
voice of Wisdom: "Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge
rather than choice gold.  For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the
things that may be desired are not to be compared to it."