Definition and Meaning
Uprightness in the biblical context refers to a state of moral integrity and righteousness, characterized by adherence to God's commandments and a life that reflects His holiness. It is a quality that God desires in His people, and those who walk in uprightness are often described as being in favor with God, receiving His guidance and blessings.

Biblical References
The concept of uprightness is woven throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing the importance of living a life that aligns with God's standards. In the Old Testament, uprightness is frequently associated with the fear of the Lord and obedience to His laws. Proverbs 11:3 states, "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them" . This verse highlights the guiding nature of uprightness, contrasting it with the destructive path of the unfaithful.

In the Psalms, uprightness is often linked with God's favor and protection. Psalm 25:21 declares, "May integrity and uprightness preserve me, because I wait for You" . Here, the psalmist expresses a reliance on God, trusting that a life of uprightness will lead to divine preservation.

Characteristics of the Upright
Those who walk in uprightness are marked by several key characteristics:

1. Integrity: They maintain consistency between their beliefs and actions, living transparently before God and others.
2. Righteousness: Their actions are in accordance with God's laws, striving to reflect His holiness in all aspects of life.
3. Fear of the Lord: They possess a deep reverence for God, which motivates them to live in a manner pleasing to Him.
4. Trust in God: They rely on God's wisdom and guidance, acknowledging their dependence on Him for strength and direction.

God's Favor Toward the Upright
Scripture affirms that God looks favorably upon those who walk in 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" . This passage underscores the protective and guiding role God plays in the lives of the upright, offering wisdom and security.

Furthermore, Psalm 84:11 promises, "For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly" . This assurance of divine provision and blessing is a testament to the special relationship between God and those who pursue uprightness.

Examples of Uprightness in Scripture
Several biblical figures exemplify the quality of uprightness:

· Noah: Described as "a righteous man, blameless among his contemporaries" (Genesis 6:9), Noah's uprightness led to his selection by God to preserve humanity through the flood.
· Job: Known for his unwavering integrity, Job is commended by God as "a man of perfect integrity, who fears God and shuns evil" (Job 1:8).
· Daniel: His commitment to God's laws, even in the face of persecution, demonstrates a life of uprightness that earned him favor and protection from God (Daniel 6:22).

The Call to Uprightness
Believers are called to pursue uprightness as a reflection of their relationship with God. Micah 6:8 encapsulates this call: "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?" . This verse serves as a reminder that uprightness is not merely an external adherence to rules but a holistic lifestyle that encompasses justice, mercy, and humility before God.Psalm 11:7
For the righteous LORD loves righteousness; his countenance does behold the upright.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Life of Mr. Alexander Moncrief.
... Afterward they went and visited her on his behalf ... of his eminent piety, integrity
and uprightness, severals of all ... Providentially he had gone out to walk by the ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr alexander 3.htm

Covenant Duties.
... of true reformation, and, if accompanied by uprightness of deportment ... And each adopts
the vow, "I will walk in thy ... to bring the nations to which they belong, at ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iv covenant duties.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... of Christ, with all manner of justness and uprightness of life ... unto themselves the
boldness to say, that they are in ... in him, ought himself also to walk, even as ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... foes in the dark; his discovering the uprightness of the ... short of the courage they
thought they had (Judges 9 ... the temptation comes, think we can walk upon the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... ye give him his inheritance, saith the Lord God' (Ezekiel 47 ... this kind of love be
never countenanced by you ... be beautified with your love, that they may beautify ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

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

What is righteousness? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to believe in God? | GotQuestions.org

Uprightness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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