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, level, or right. In the New Testament, the Greek word "dikaios" is used, meaning just or righteous.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of uprightness. In the Old Testament, the Psalms and Proverbs frequently highlight the blessings and favor that come to those who walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11 states, "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 verse underscores the protective and providential care God extends to the upright.

Proverbs 11:3 further illustrates the principle: "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them." Here, uprightness is associated with integrity, serving as a guiding principle that leads to life and blessing.

Uprightness in the Life of Believers

For believers, walking in uprightness is both a calling and a response to God's grace. It involves living a life that is pleasing to God, marked by honesty, justice, and faithfulness. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often exhorts Christians to live upright lives. 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."

Uprightness is not merely an external adherence to rules but a reflection of an inner transformation brought about by the Holy Spirit. It is the fruit of a life surrendered to Christ, where the believer's actions are in harmony with God's will.

The Role of Righteousness in Keeping the Upright

Righteousness plays a crucial role in sustaining those who walk in uprightness. It is both a gift from God and a pursuit for the believer. In the Old Testament, righteousness is often linked with God's covenant faithfulness. Psalm 37:17 assures, "For the arms of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous."

In the New Testament, righteousness is closely associated with faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 3:22 declares, "And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe." This righteousness, imputed to believers, empowers them to live uprightly, as they are justified and made right with God.

Examples of Uprightness in Scripture

The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who exemplified uprightness. Job is described as "blameless and upright, fearing God and shunning evil" (Job 1:1). His life, despite severe trials, remained a testament to his unwavering integrity and faithfulness to God.

King David, though not without sin, is often remembered for his heart that sought after God. 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."

The Blessings of Walking in Uprightness

Scripture promises numerous blessings for those who walk in uprightness. Proverbs 2:7 states, "He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk with integrity." The upright are assured of God's wisdom, protection, and guidance.

Moreover, uprightness leads to peace and security. Isaiah 32:17 declares, "The work of righteousness will be peace; the service of righteousness will be quiet confidence forever." This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a deep, abiding sense of well-being rooted in a right relationship with God.

Conclusion

Uprightness, as a reflection of God's character, is a vital aspect of the Christian life. It is both a divine gift and a human responsibility, sustained by the righteousness of Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Those who walk in uprightness experience the fullness of God's blessings and the assurance of His eternal promises.Proverbs 13:6
Righteousness keeps him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jehovah Tsidkenu: the Lord Our Righteousness
... which he omitted, his original character for uprightness was completely ... He receives
sinners that think they are not fit ... And you, ye spirits that walk in white ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/jehovah tsidkenu the lord our.htm

How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, when Error Prevaileth, and ...
... This is to walk by some other rule than the word, and ... desire to follow his way in
truth and uprightness, and to ... They should also at such a time be much in the ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xvi how to make.htm

Solomon
... call to work comes the call to walk circumspectly before ... they had been toward David,
and they obeyed him ... marked with devotion to God, with uprightness and firm ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 1 solomon.htm

Hooker -- the Activity of Faith; Or, Abraham's Imitators
... be a use of comfort to all the saints and people of God, whose consciences can witness
that they have labored to walk in the uprightness of their ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/hooker the activity of.htm

"There is Therefore Now no Condemnation to them which are in ...
... O how should you walk as privileged men, as redeemed ... Indeed they were more and better
than any now ... whose hands are defiled, maintain the uprightness of their ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon i there is therefore.htm

Our Lord's Prayer for his People's Sanctification
... our raiment; it is indeed when we walk in the ... their Lord and one another; and thus
they come into ... Uprightness of walk and cleanness of heart are absolutely ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/our lords prayer for his.htm

A Young Man's Wise Choice Op Wisdom
... truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart ... commandments, as thy father
David did walk, then I ... solemnity to their position, which they too often ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a young mans wise choice.htm

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
... for, indeed, this wisdom is hidden, and kept close from ... Not for thy righteousness,
or for the uprightness of thine ... of the way; how then can they walk therein? ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm

"Now the End of the Commandment," &C.
... When ye walk according to false principles and grounds, and ... have a right to it, because
they settle not ... answered by your own integrity and uprightness, or by ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xii now the end.htm

Prayer and Character and Conduct
... that men ask and receive not, because they ask amiss ... and is the one great aid to
uprightness of heart ... and conduct; causes him to "walk circumspectly, redeeming ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/viii prayer and character and.htm

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