Uprightness, in the biblical context, refers to a state of moral integrity and righteousness that aligns with God's standards. It is a quality that God highly values and takes pleasure in, as it reflects His own nature and the principles of His kingdom. The concept of uprightness is woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently highlights the significance of uprightness. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for uprightness, "yashar," conveys the idea of being straight, level, or right. This term is often used to describe individuals who live in accordance with God's laws and commandments. In the New Testament, the Greek equivalent, "euthus," carries a similar meaning of being straight or right.

God's Delight in Uprightness

Scripture reveals that God takes great pleasure in those who walk in uprightness. Proverbs 11:20 states, "The LORD detests those with crooked hearts, but He delights in those with integrity." This verse underscores the contrast between those who are deceitful and those who are upright, highlighting God's preference for the latter.

In Psalm 11:7, the psalmist declares, "For the LORD is righteous; He loves justice. The upright will see His face." This passage not only affirms God's love for justice and righteousness but also promises a special relationship with Him for those who are upright.

Examples of Upright Individuals

Throughout the Bible, several individuals are commended for their uprightness. Job is a prime example, described as "blameless and upright, fearing God and shunning evil" (Job 1:1). Despite severe trials, Job's commitment to uprightness remained steadfast, earning God's commendation.

King David, though not without sin, is often portrayed as a man after God's own heart due to his overall pursuit of righteousness and uprightness. In 1 Kings 9:4, God instructs Solomon, "As for you, if you walk before Me as your father David walked, with integrity of heart and uprightness, doing all I have commanded you and keeping My statutes and ordinances."

Uprightness in Daily Life

Living uprightly involves more than mere external compliance with rules; it requires an inner transformation and alignment with God's will. Micah 6:8 encapsulates this calling: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"

The New Testament echoes this call to upright living. In Ephesians 4:24, believers are urged to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." This transformation is made possible through the work of the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live in a manner that pleases God.

God's Reward for Uprightness

The Bible assures that God rewards those who pursue uprightness. Proverbs 2:7 promises, "He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk with integrity." This verse highlights both the protection and the wisdom that God provides to those who live uprightly.

In the Beatitudes, Jesus affirms the blessedness of those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, promising that "they will be filled" (Matthew 5:6). This filling is both a present experience of God's grace and a future hope of eternal satisfaction in His presence.

Conclusion

Uprightness is a central theme in Scripture, reflecting God's own character and His desire for His people. Through the examples of biblical figures and the teachings of both the Old and New Testaments, believers are called to pursue a life of integrity and righteousness, assured of God's pleasure and reward.1 Chronicles 29:17
I know also, my God, that you try the heart, and have pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy your people, which are present here, to offer willingly to you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

What Doest Thou Here?
... bit of string is taken off the sapling, it starts back to its original uprightness. ...
being to make myself by God's help such a character as God has pleasure in? ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/what doest thou here.htm

Enoch, the Deathless
... 6). The other is uprightness""I know also, my God, that Thou hast pleasure in
uprightness" (1 Chronicles 29 ... The unbeliever distrusts God, and has no fellow ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/enoch the deathless.htm

Our Attitude Toward Destructive Criticism.
... and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness." Psalm 111 ... The attitude which God's
people should assume toward destructive criticism has been questioned ...
/.../i our attitude toward destructive.htm

Doing Glory to God in Pursuits of the World.
... it is a fatal sin, for Christ Himself has said so ... are not satisfied with the correctness
or uprightness of some ... if they are at present not serving God with all ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon xi doing glory to.htm

Joseph Addison.
... A mind conscious of its own uprightness, and humbly trusting in the goodness of
God, has the best ... sweetly expressive of the peace and pleasure which he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/joseph addison.htm

Be not Deceived; God is not Mocked.
... Let every one, therefore, cultivate a sincerity and uprightness of heart at all
times, and it will ... Bear in mind, the God of the Bible has never deceived ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sowing and reaping/chapter ii be not deceived.htm

God with Us, and we with God
... not prevail'"that is weak man, stiffened into uprightness, and rooted ... being of a
man, but that only God can so ... his life before he was six-and-thirty, has said ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/god with us and we.htm

The Prayer of Prayers
... text may either be read as our Bible has it, 'Thy ... of conformity to the perfect purity
of God can satisfy ... He now dwells in 'the land of uprightness,' who once ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the prayer of prayers.htm

The Kingdom of God Conceived as the Inheritance of the Poor.
... Happy he who has been able to behold this divine unfolding ... signs in the heavens,
but by the uprightness of his ... create anew in his heart the true kingdom of God! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter xi the kingdom of.htm

Counsel for Outward Behaviour.
... it has caused you; if it has not succeeded ... confidence in the infinite goodness of
God, remembering that ... He loves simplicity, candour, and uprightness, go to ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/ii counsel for outward behaviour.htm

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What does it mean to praise the Lord? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about integrity? | GotQuestions.org

Uprightness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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