Topical Bible: Uprightness: They Who Walk in Abominated by the Wicked

◄ Uprightness: They Who Walk in Abominated by the Wicked ►

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Uprightness, in biblical terms, refers to a state of moral integrity and righteousness, characterized by adherence to God's commandments and a life that reflects His holiness. Those who walk in uprightness are often contrasted with the wicked, who despise and abhor such righteousness.

The concept of uprightness is deeply rooted in the Scriptures, where it is frequently associated with the favor and blessing of God. Proverbs 11:20 states, "The LORD detests those with crooked hearts, but He delights in those whose ways are blameless." This verse highlights the divine approval that accompanies a life of uprightness, as opposed to the disdain God holds for those who are deceitful and wicked.

The righteous, or those who walk in uprightness, often face opposition and hostility from the wicked. This enmity is not merely a matter of personal dislike but is rooted in a fundamental spiritual conflict. Proverbs 29:27 declares, "An unjust man is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked." This mutual detestation underscores the moral and spiritual divide between those who pursue godliness and those who reject it.

The Psalms frequently echo this theme, portraying the righteous as targets of the wicked's scorn and plots. Psalm 37:12-14 illustrates this dynamic: "The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them, but the Lord laughs, seeing that their day is coming. The wicked have drawn the sword and bent the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright." Here, the psalmist reassures the upright that despite the wicked's machinations, God's justice will ultimately prevail.

The life of Job serves as a profound example of uprightness in the face of adversity and disdain from the wicked. Job is described as "blameless and upright, fearing God and shunning evil" (Job 1:1). Despite his righteousness, Job endures severe trials and is falsely accused by his friends, who misinterpret his suffering as evidence of hidden sin. Yet, Job's steadfastness in maintaining his integrity exemplifies the resilience of the upright amidst the contempt of the wicked.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies the ultimate example of uprightness. His life and teachings consistently reflect perfect righteousness, yet He faced intense opposition from the religious leaders of His time. In John 15:18-19 , Jesus warns His disciples, "If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world." This passage highlights the inevitable conflict between the upright and the world, which is often aligned with wickedness.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the tension between the righteous and the wicked in his epistles. In 2 Timothy 3:12 , he writes, "Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." This persecution is a testament to the abomination the wicked feel towards those who walk in uprightness, as the light of righteousness exposes the darkness of their deeds.

In summary, uprightness is a hallmark of those who seek to live in accordance with God's will, and it often invites the disdain and opposition of the wicked. This spiritual conflict is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the moral divide between the righteous and the unrighteous. The Scriptures assure believers that despite the hostility they may face, God's favor rests upon those who walk in uprightness, and His justice will ultimately vindicate them.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 29:21
He that delicately brings up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Seventh Book
... We should strive to please God by our uprightness rather than ... is it in his own power
to walk and direct ... even if I add nothing more; for they have abominated ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the seventh book.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... Was this only the temper of wicked men then? ... "If his children forsake my law, and
walk not in my judgments; if they break my statutes, and keep not my ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican
... One of them was over righteous, and the other wicked over much ... were Jews, what follows,
but that for this they were a great deal the more abominated of their ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse upon the pharisee.htm

The Pharisee and the Publican
... One of them was over righteous, and the other wicked over much. ... were Jews, what follows
but that for this they were a great deal the more abominated by their ...
/.../bunyan/the pharisee and publican/the pharisee and the publican.htm