Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Meaning:Uprightness in the biblical context refers to a state of moral integrity, righteousness, and adherence to God's commandments. It is a quality that reflects a life lived in accordance with divine principles, characterized by honesty, fairness, and a commitment to truth. The concept of uprightness is deeply rooted in the wisdom literature of the Bible, where it is often associated with the fear of the Lord and the pursuit of wisdom. Biblical References: 1. Proverbs and Wisdom Literature: The Book of Proverbs frequently highlights the connection between wisdom and uprightness. Proverbs 2:7-8 states, "He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk with integrity, to guard the paths of justice and protect the way of His saints." Here, uprightness is linked with divine protection and guidance, emphasizing that those who walk in uprightness are under God's care. 2. The Path of the Righteous: Proverbs 4:18 describes the path of the righteous as "like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday." This imagery suggests that uprightness leads to increasing clarity and understanding, a journey toward greater wisdom and enlightenment. 3. Contrast with Wickedness: The Bible often contrasts uprightness with wickedness, illustrating the moral dichotomy between those who follow God's ways and those who do not. Proverbs 11:3 declares, "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them." This verse underscores the guiding power of uprightness, which leads to life and prosperity, in contrast to the destructive nature of wickedness. 4. The Role of the Heart: Uprightness is not merely an external adherence to rules but involves the condition of the heart. Psalm 7:10 affirms, "My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart." This highlights that true uprightness is a matter of inner purity and sincerity before God. 5. Blessings of Uprightness: The Scriptures promise blessings to those who walk in uprightness. Psalm 112:4 states, "Light dawns in the darkness for the upright—for the gracious, compassionate, and righteous." This verse suggests that uprightness brings divine favor and illumination even in challenging times. 6. Uprightness and Justice: Uprightness is closely linked with justice, as seen in Isaiah 26:7 : "The path of the righteous is level; You clear a straight path for the upright." This indicates that uprightness involves a commitment to justice and fairness, aligning one's actions with God's righteous standards. The Example of Biblical Figures: 1. Job: Job is often cited as an exemplar of uprightness. Job 1:1 describes him as "blameless and upright, fearing God and shunning evil." Despite severe trials, Job's commitment to uprightness remains steadfast, demonstrating the resilience and faithfulness that characterize a truly wise life. 2. David: King David, despite his failings, is remembered for his heart's 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." David's life illustrates the importance of repentance and a heart aligned with God's will. Practical Application: Uprightness calls believers to live lives of integrity, guided by the wisdom of God's Word. It involves making choices that reflect God's character, pursuing justice, and maintaining a heart that seeks to honor Him. The truly wise recognize that uprightness is not only a moral obligation but a path to divine blessing and fulfillment. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 15:21Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walks uprightly. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Solomon The Sixth Book Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity Duty to New and Old Man. On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. vi. 19, "Lay not up for ... How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, when Error Prevaileth, and ... In Him: Like Him Christian Morals. Part I. Heaven's Nurse Children Our Lord's Prayer for his People's Sanctification The Feast of the Lord Resources What is Donatism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to praise the Lord? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about integrity? | GotQuestions.org Uprightness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Uprightness with Poverty, is Better than Folly Uprightness with Poverty, is Better than Sin With Riches Uprightness: A Characteristic of Saints Uprightness: God Created Man In Uprightness: God Has Pleasure In Uprightness: God is Perfect In Uprightness: Man Has Deviated From Uprightness: Pray for Those Who Walk In Uprightness: Reprove Those Who Deviate From Uprightness: Saints should Resolve to Walk In Uprightness: should be in Heart Uprightness: should be in Judging Uprightness: should be in Ruling Uprightness: should be in Speech Uprightness: should be in Walk Uprightness: The Being Kept from Presumptuous Sins is Necessary To Uprightness: The Truly Wise Walk In Uprightness: The Way of, is to Depart from Evil Uprightness: The Wicked: do not Act With Uprightness: The Wicked: Have Not, in Heart Uprightness: The Wicked: Leave not the Path of Uprightness: They Who Walk in a Blessing to Others Uprightness: They Who Walk in Abominated by the Wicked Uprightness: They Who Walk in Countenanced by God Uprightness: They Who Walk in Defended by God Uprightness: They Who Walk in Delighted in by God Uprightness: They Who Walk in Direct Their Way Uprightness: They Who Walk in Fear God Uprightness: They Who Walk in Find Strengths in God's Way Uprightness: They Who Walk in Guided by Integrity Uprightness: They Who Walk in Hated by the Wicked Uprightness: They Who Walk in Kept by Righteousness Uprightness: They Who Walk in Love Christ Uprightness: They Who Walk in Obtain Good from God's Work Uprightness: They Who Walk in Obtain Light in Darkness Uprightness: They Who Walk in Persecuted by the Wicked Uprightness: They Who Walk in Praise is Comely For Uprightness: They Who Walk in Prospered by God Uprightness: They Who Walk in Recompensed by God Uprightness: They Who Walk in Scorned by the Wicked Uprightness: They Who Walk in Their Prayer Delighted in by God Uprightness: They Who Walk in Upheld in It by God Uprightness: They Who Walk in Walk Surely Uprightness: They Who Walk In, Shall: Be Blessed Uprightness: They Who Walk In, Shall: Be Delivered by Righteousness Uprightness: They Who Walk In, Shall: Be Delivered by Their Wisdom Uprightness: They Who Walk In, Shall: Be Saved Uprightness: They Who Walk In, Shall: Dwell in the Land Uprightness: They Who Walk In, Shall: Dwell on High and be Provided For Uprightness: They Who Walk In, Shall: Dwell With God Uprightness: They Who Walk In, Shall: Enter Into Peace Uprightness: They Who Walk In, Shall: Have Dominion Over the Wicked Uprightness: They Who Walk In, Shall: Have Inheritance for Ever Uprightness: They Who Walk In, Shall: Have Nothing Good Withheld Uprightness: They Who Walk In, Shall: Possess Good Things Related Terms Understandest (10 Occurrences) Loving-kindness (150 Occurrences) Righteousness (442 Occurrences) |