Definition and Nature of Uprightness

Uprightness, in biblical terms, refers to a state of moral integrity and righteousness. It is the quality of being honest, just, and adhering to God's commandments. The concept of uprightness is deeply rooted in the character of God Himself, who is described as upright and just. In the Scriptures, uprightness is often associated with a life that is pleasing to God and aligned with His will.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of uprightness in the life of a believer. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for uprightness, "yashar," conveys the idea of being straight or level, symbolizing a life that is in alignment with God's standards. In the New Testament, the Greek word "dikaios" is often used to describe righteousness or uprightness.

Uprightness and Dwelling with God

The promise of dwelling with God is a profound theme in Scripture, and it is closely linked to the pursuit of uprightness. Psalm 15:1-2 poses the question, "O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill?" The answer follows: "He who walks with integrity and practices righteousness, who speaks the truth from his heart."

This passage highlights that those who live uprightly are granted the privilege of dwelling in God's presence. The imagery of abiding in God's tent or dwelling on His holy hill signifies a close, intimate relationship with the Almighty, reserved for those who walk in His ways.

Examples of Uprightness in Scripture

1. Noah: Genesis 6:9 describes Noah as "a righteous man, blameless in his generation; Noah walked with God." Noah's uprightness set him apart in a corrupt world, and as a result, he found favor in God's eyes and was chosen to preserve humanity through the flood.

2. Job: Job is another exemplar of uprightness. Job 1:1 states, "There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job. And this man was blameless and upright, fearing God and shunning evil." Despite severe trials, Job's commitment to uprightness remained steadfast, and he ultimately experienced God's restoration and blessing.

3. David: King David, despite his imperfections, is often celebrated for his heart of uprightness. In Psalm 25:21 , David prays, "May integrity and uprightness preserve me, because I wait for You." David's life demonstrates that a heart inclined toward God and His righteousness leads to divine fellowship.

The Call to Uprightness

Believers are called to pursue uprightness as a reflection of their faith and devotion to God. Proverbs 11:20 declares, "The LORD detests those with crooked hearts, but He delights in those whose ways are blameless." This verse underscores the divine pleasure found in those who walk uprightly, contrasting it with the disdain for those who deviate from His path.

The New Testament reinforces this call in Ephesians 4:1 , where Paul urges believers to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received." This exhortation to live uprightly is a response to the grace and salvation offered through Jesus Christ.

The Reward of Uprightness

The reward for walking in uprightness is not only the promise of dwelling with God in eternity but also experiencing His presence and favor in this life. Proverbs 2:7 assures, "He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk with integrity." This protection and wisdom are part of the abundant life promised to those who choose the path of righteousness.

In summary, uprightness is a vital aspect of the Christian walk, deeply intertwined with the promise of dwelling with God. Through the examples of biblical figures and the teachings of Scripture, believers are encouraged to pursue a life of integrity, knowing that it leads to a closer relationship with the Creator.Psalm 15:2
He that walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 140:13
Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name: the upright shall dwell in your presence.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Our Lord's Prayer for his People's Sanctification
... The more saintly men are, the more they love their Lord and one another; and thus
they come into closer union with each ... Uprightness of walk and cleanness of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/our lords prayer for his.htm

"Who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. "
... is good, lead me into the land of uprightness, quicken me ... Remember it is a Spirit
ye must walk after; now, what ... as may be seen of men; and if they would enter ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon iv who walk not.htm

How Christ is to be Made Use of as Our Life, in Case of ...
... prayer with that measure of earnestness and uprightness of heart ... shall run and not
be weary, and they shall walk and not ... 5. They would eye him as now in glory ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xxii how christ is.htm

"Now the End of the Commandment," &C.
... clean conscience, bearing testimony of integrity and uprightness in walking ... evil
of you, as of evil doers, they may be ... I shall have peace, though I walk in the ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xii now the end.htm

Sad Fasts Changed to Glad Feasts
... poor than get rich by a single act contrary to uprightness. ... There will come a time
when people will walk very gently round you bed, when they will wipe ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/sad fasts changed to glad.htm

Doing Glory to God in Pursuits of the World.
... vice and folly, and by a conscientious walk; so, on the ... they do not live by rule;
nay, they are not satisfied with the correctness or uprightness of some ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon xi doing glory to.htm

The Feast of the Lord
... your beds, each one of you walking in your uprightness. ... saints of heaven make but
one communion, they are not ... classes; we shall be allowed to walk through all ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the feast of the lord.htm

Marks of a True Conversion
... breast, that every one may see the uprightness of my ... care of doing what children
often do; they are too ... without our quarreling with each other; O walk in love. ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/marks of a true conversion.htm

The Prayer of Prayers
... They whose religion has not reached that apex have yet to ... God is to dwell in the
land of uprightness, disobedience is ... Do you see to it that you walk in ways of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the prayer of prayers.htm

"Now the End of the Commandment," &C.
... run more clearly free of the earthly quality they had, more ... That purity is sincerity
and uprightness (James 4:8 ... no unclean thing can enter, shall he walk in his ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xiii now the end.htm

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