“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.”

-Proverbs 14:34

“I sought for the greatness of the United States in her commodious harbors, her ample rivers, her fertile fields, and boundless forests---and it was not there. I sought for it in her rich mines, her vast world commerce, her public school system, and in her institutions of higher learning---and it was not there. I looked for it in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution---and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits aflame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great!” - French statesman Alexis de Tocqueville in 1835

ØRighteousness is right

ØRighteousness is best

ØRighteousness is possible

ØRighteousness starts with us

ØRighteousness is in Christ

1. Share something that has stood out to you in your own reading of Proverbs this past week.

2. What stood out to you most from the message?

3. Read Proverbs 10:25, 13:9, 15:9, 16:8, and 21:21. What further insights about righteousness do get from these verses?

4. What questions are you most tempted to ask instead of just, “what is right?”

5. Read Matthew 6:33. How have you seen this verse play out in your own life?

6. In what ways can we best influence those in leadership to value righteousness?

7. Read Amos 5, especially verses 21-24. What is going on in this passage? Can this happen to us?

8. Remember 1 Peter 4:17. In what area of life do you need to be most careful to pursue righteousness today? What steps can you take in this area?

9. Is there any specific sin you need to confess and ask for prayer about? Why not now?

10. Spend some time praying for our nation to be exalted by righteousness. Remember to pray for our leaders – 1 Timothy 2:1-4.

Memorize Proverbs 14:34 and read a chapter of Proverbs each day

Read Isaiah 58, Amos 5, Matthew 5:1-16, Matthew 6:33-34

Listen to “One Pure and Holy Passion” by Tasha Cobbs Leonard -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbmqNzUEyEg

Read to understand the border crisis and discover ways to help – https://erlc.com/resource-library/articles/explainer-whats-happening-with-children-at-the-southern-border

Read more about Francis Scott Key - https://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1801-1900/francis-scott-keys-anthem-11630370.html