Topical Bible: Uprightness: They Who Walk in Defended by God

◄ Uprightness: They Who Walk in Defended by God ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Definition and Nature of Uprightness

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. It is a quality that God desires in His people, as it aligns with His own nature. The Hebrew word often translated as "upright" is "yashar," which conveys the idea of being straight, correct, or right.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of uprightness. 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 power of uprightness, contrasting it with the destructive nature of wickedness.

In the New Testament, uprightness is embodied in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who serves as the ultimate example of righteousness. Believers are called to emulate His character, as seen in 1 Peter 2:21-22: "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps: 'He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.'"

Divine Defense of the Upright

Scripture assures that those who walk in uprightness are under the protection and defense of God. Psalm 7:10 declares, "My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart." This verse underscores the protective nature of God towards those who live righteously, portraying Him as a shield against adversities and injustices.

Similarly, Proverbs 2:7-8 affirms, "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, God's defense is linked to His provision of wisdom and justice, ensuring that the upright are not only protected but also guided in their journey.

Examples of Upright Individuals

The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who exemplified uprightness and experienced God's defense. Job is a notable figure, described as "blameless and upright, fearing God and shunning evil" (Job 1:1). Despite severe trials, Job's integrity remained intact, and God ultimately restored his fortunes, demonstrating divine vindication.

Another example is Daniel, who maintained his uprightness in a foreign land, refusing to defile himself with the king's food (Daniel 1:8). His unwavering commitment to God's laws led to divine favor and protection, as seen when he was delivered from the lions' den (Daniel 6:22).

The Call to Uprightness

Believers are called to pursue uprightness as a reflection of their faith and 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 emphasizes the practical outworking of uprightness in justice, mercy, and humility.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul exhorts believers to live upright lives, empowered by the Holy Spirit. In Titus 2:11-12, he writes, "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men. It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age."

Conclusion

While the entry does not include a formal conclusion, it is evident that uprightness is a central theme in Scripture, with profound implications for the believer's life. Those who walk in uprightness are assured of God's defense and guidance, as they reflect His character and fulfill His purposes in the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 2:7
He lays up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Kept from Iniquity
... own integrity, and proud of their own uprightness; and is ... of the filthiness of the
language that they would hear ... of to-day should make Christians walk very near ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 41 1895/kept from iniquity.htm

Of Preparation.
... at their zeal, and hated them because they reproved me ... Where I should have lived
in uprightness, giving every man ... in thee, that I may carefully walk all the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/i of preparation.htm

Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the ...
... mayest be saved by grace, though thou walk in the ... fallen from their own innocency
and uprightness, into those wicked inventions that they themselves had ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/some gospel truths opened according.htm

Letter Xciii. (AD 408. )
... it may be that the opinions which they held were ... whereto we have already attained,
let us walk by the ... that he maintained with loyalty, and defended in debate ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xciii a d 408.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... God has made nothing in vain. ... Yet again, said He, observe and look; so they gave
heed, and perceived that the hen did walk in a fourfold method towards her ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... they heard of the singular uprightness of Deiokes ... But they were repulsed by Sargon's
generals; the ... back speedily upon other countries less vigorously defended. ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm