Proverbs 14:34

 The book of Proverbs gives us a lot of instruction on a lot of different subjects. One subject that can keep us in God’s wisdom is Godly Follower-ship. Who we follow; where we follow; how we follow are all spoken about in Proverbs. Here is one of them about righteousness: 

Proverbs 14:34 (NASBStr)

Righteousness exalts a nation,

But sin is a disgrace to any people.

You can't read the above proverb without remembering what Solomon already said, speaking for Wisdom, as she was personified in chapter eight:

Proverbs 8:15-16 (NASBStr)

“By me kings reign,

And rulers decree justice.

 “By me princes rule, and nobles,

All who judge rightly.

Those leaders who lead in a just manner are those who bring a city, a nation, an organization, any group to a place of exaltation.   When there are issues in a group of people it is because one person (or, more than one) believes they have been unjustly treated.   They want, in return, justice.   They come to a leader to get that justice.   Leadership is constantly in the business of exacting some sort of justice for those who "feel" or "believe" they have been unjustly treated.    When that leadership exacts a form of justice that God is approving of, the nation is exalting.   When that leadership fails to exact justice in a way that God is pleased with, then the people are embarrassed and disgraced.   Leadership is responsible to make sure justice is carried out.  In Romans 13 we are told that God puts the people in charge who He wants to lead and they are their to be His avenger of injustice.   Righteousness is the root of great leadership.  Techniques and strategies are always helpful for good leaders, but at the root they must be declared righteous by God and they must be willing to lead in righteousness.  That will exalt their follower-ship, rather than have them live in shame.