Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Meaning:Uprightness in the biblical context refers to living in accordance with God's standards, characterized by integrity, honesty, and moral rectitude. It is a quality that reflects a heart aligned with God's will, manifesting in righteous actions and decisions. The Hebrew word often translated as "upright" is "yashar," which conveys the idea of being straight or level, symbolizing a life that is in harmony with divine principles. Biblical Foundations: The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of uprightness as a virtue that pleases God and brings blessings. In the Old Testament, uprightness is frequently associated with the fear of the Lord and obedience to His commandments. Proverbs 11:3 states, "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the treacherous destroys them" . This verse highlights the guiding power of uprightness, contrasting it with the destructive nature of deceit. Examples of Upright Individuals: Several biblical figures exemplify uprightness. Job is described as "blameless and upright, fearing God and shunning evil" (Job 1:1). Despite severe trials, Job's commitment to uprightness remains steadfast, demonstrating the strength found in adhering to God's way. King David, though imperfect, is often celebrated for his upright heart. In 1 Kings 9:4, God speaks to Solomon, saying, "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, marked by repentance and a desire to follow God's commands, serves as a model of uprightness. The Strength Found in Uprightness: Walking in uprightness provides believers with strength and stability. Psalm 84:11 declares, "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 underscores the protective and providential care God extends to those who live righteously. Uprightness also brings inner strength and peace. Isaiah 26:7 affirms, "The path of the righteous is level; You clear a straight path for the upright" . This imagery of a straight path signifies the clarity and direction that come from living in accordance with God's truth. 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 highlights the practical outworking of uprightness in justice, mercy, and humility. In the New Testament, the call to uprightness is reiterated through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Ephesians 4:24 encourages believers to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" . This transformation into a life of uprightness is made possible through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, empowering believers to live in a manner pleasing to God. Conclusion: Uprightness is a central theme in Scripture, representing a life committed to God's ways. It is both a gift and a responsibility, offering strength, guidance, and blessing to those who walk in it. Through the examples of biblical figures and the teachings of Scripture, believers are encouraged to pursue uprightness as a testament to their faith and devotion to God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 10:29The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Man Now Deprived of Freedom of Will, and Miserably Enslaved. 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) |