Topical Bible: Uprightness: They Who Walk in Scorned by the Wicked

◄ Uprightness: They Who Walk in Scorned by the Wicked ►

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Uprightness, a fundamental virtue in biblical teaching, is characterized by integrity, righteousness, and adherence to God's commandments. Those who walk in uprightness are often depicted as living in accordance with divine principles, striving to reflect God's holiness in their daily lives. However, the path of uprightness is not without its challenges, as the wicked frequently scorn and oppose those who pursue righteousness.

The Bible consistently highlights the tension between the upright and the wicked. In the Book of Psalms, the psalmist laments the scorn and derision faced by the righteous: "The wicked lie in wait for the righteous, seeking to slay them" (Psalm 37:32). This verse underscores the hostility that the upright may encounter from those who reject God's ways. The wicked, often driven by envy or a desire to justify their own actions, may mock or persecute those who live uprightly.

Proverbs, a book rich in wisdom literature, also addresses this theme. Proverbs 29:27 states, "An unjust man is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked" . This proverb highlights the mutual disdain between the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing that the upright will naturally face opposition from those who do not share their values.

The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus Himself warning His followers of the persecution they would face for living righteously. In the Beatitudes, Jesus declares, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10). Here, the promise of divine reward is juxtaposed with the reality of earthly scorn, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their pursuit of uprightness despite opposition.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently addresses the challenges faced by those who walk in uprightness. In 2 Timothy 3:12, he writes, "Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" . Paul's words serve as a reminder that the path of righteousness is often fraught with trials, yet it is a path that leads to eternal reward.

The scorn of the wicked, while daunting, is portrayed in Scripture as a temporary affliction. The psalmist confidently asserts, "The LORD will not leave the righteous to their power or let them be condemned under judgment" (Psalm 37:33). This assurance of divine protection and ultimate justice provides comfort to those who endure scorn for their uprightness.

In summary, the Bible presents uprightness as a noble and divinely favored path, yet one that is often met with scorn and opposition from the wicked. The righteous are called to persevere, trusting in God's promises and looking forward to the ultimate vindication and reward that awaits them.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 12:4
I am as one mocked of his neighbor, who calls on God, and he answers him: the just upright man is laughed to scorn.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Book of Enoch
... shown him; he shall receive dominion, and walk in everlasting ... unite Ourselves with
them for ever, because they have walked in the paths of uprightness. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of enoch.htm

The Sixth Book
... Yet we flatter ourselves on the uprightness of our ways, the ... in their cups; men too
weak to walk were strong ... Through all that I have recounted they became so ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the sixth book.htm

The Seventh Book
... should strive to please God by our uprightness rather than ... is it in his own power
to walk and direct ... much confidence in a complete victory as they had recently ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the seventh book.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... predict or prophesy what shall become of the wicked; so also they plentifully foretell ...
patiently endured, he obtained the promise; so those that walk in the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm

A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican
... One of them was over righteous, and the other wicked over much. Some would have
thought, had they not by the word of Christ been otherwise described, that they ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse upon the pharisee.htm

A Discourse
... or, at least, had but little light to walk by; yea ... shields were for them which drew
bows, and they were to ... quench all the fiery darts of the wicked' (Ephesians 6 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

The Pharisee and the Publican
... One of them was over righteous, and the other wicked over much. Some would have
thought, had they not by the word of Christ been otherwise described, that they ...
/.../bunyan/the pharisee and publican/the pharisee and the publican.htm