Topical Bible: Uprightness: They Who Walk in Obtain Light in Darkness

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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.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of uprightness is deeply rooted in Scripture, where it is frequently associated with divine favor and guidance. 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 deceit.

Uprightness and Divine Light

The Bible often uses the metaphor of light to describe the presence and guidance of God. Those who walk in uprightness are promised illumination even in the darkest circumstances. Psalm 112:4 declares, "Light dawns in the darkness for the upright, for the gracious, compassionate, and righteous." This passage emphasizes that uprightness brings divine light, offering clarity and hope amidst life's challenges.

Examples of Uprightness in Scripture

1. Job: Job is described as a man of complete integrity, who feared God and shunned evil (Job 1:1). Despite severe trials, Job's uprightness remained steadfast, and he ultimately received God's blessing and restoration.

2. David: King David, though imperfect, is often celebrated for his upright heart. In 1 Kings 9:4 , God instructs Solomon to walk before Him "with integrity of heart and uprightness, as David your father did." David's life exemplifies the pursuit of uprightness, even in the face of personal failure.

3. Daniel: Daniel's unwavering commitment to God's laws, even in a foreign land, exemplifies uprightness. His integrity led to divine protection and favor, 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 relationship with God. Proverbs 2:7 affirms, "He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk with integrity." This verse assures that God provides wisdom and protection to those who live uprightly.

Uprightness and the Path of the Righteous

The path of the upright is marked by God's light and guidance. Proverbs 4:18 states, "The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday." This imagery underscores the progressive nature of divine illumination for those who walk in uprightness.

Challenges to Uprightness

While the pursuit of uprightness is noble, it is not without challenges. The world often presents temptations and trials that can lead one astray. However, Scripture encourages believers to remain steadfast. Psalm 37:18 assures, "The LORD knows the days of the blameless, and their inheritance will last forever."

Conclusion

Uprightness is a vital aspect of the Christian walk, offering divine light and guidance in a world often shrouded in darkness. Through the examples of biblical figures and the promises of Scripture, believers are encouraged to pursue a life of integrity, trusting in God's provision and protection.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 112:4
To the upright there rises light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How Can I Obtain Faith?
... more a man lives in the walk of faith ... longestablished practitioner, well known for
truthfulness, uprightness, and every ... and forget what manner of men they are. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/how can i obtain faith.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

"Nunc Dimittis"
... Thou art with me." Neither is it a walk that need ... 57:2: "He shall enter into peace:
they shall rest ... their beds, each one walking in his uprightness." Here is ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/nunc dimittis.htm

One Thing is Needful;
... of folly talk; My eyes to vanity hath gone, Thus did I vainly walk. ... That I to them
may always lovely be, And that they never may ... [OF UPRIGHTNESS AND SINCERITY ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/one thing is needful.htm

Instructions to Converts.
... better take care, or they will walk into hell ... strictly honest in everything, so that
they can maintain ... real honesty, that pure, simple uprightness, which ought ...
/.../lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xix instructions to converts.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... with their faith and purity and mental uprightness unimpaired ... way with us that we
eat, and walk, and sleep ... John and James, because they asked more than the others ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity Duty to New and Old Man.
... and feels a desire for a godly walk and good ... and monastic saints, who base their
holiness and uprightness solely on ... as Paul says, and realize what they lost in ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/nineteenth sunday after trinity duty.htm

Of the Necessity of Divine Influences to Produce Regeneration in ...
... my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my ... a thousand, to show unto man his
uprightness, then he ... to obey the voice of his servant, though they have long ...
/.../practical discourses on regeneration/discourse vii of the necessity.htm

The Book of Enoch
... be shown him; he shall receive dominion, and walk in everlasting ... will He give truth
in the habitation of uprightness. ... That they were more than one is proved by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of enoch.htm

Entangled in the Land
... faith, and lead him off from the road of uprightness. ... of his countenance from them,
and then they walk in darkness ... by the greatness of thine arm they shall be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/entangled in the land.htm