Topical Bible: Uprightness: They Who Walk in Their Prayer Delighted in by God

◄ Uprightness: They Who Walk in Their Prayer Delighted in by God ►

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Definition and Meaning:
Uprightness in the biblical context refers to a state of moral integrity and righteousness, characterized by a life that aligns with God's commandments and principles. It is a quality that God desires in His people, reflecting a heart that is sincere, honest, and devoted to His ways. Uprightness is not merely an external adherence to rules but an internal disposition that seeks to honor God in all aspects of life.

Biblical References:
The Bible frequently highlights the importance of uprightness and its connection to a life of prayer that pleases God. In Proverbs 15:8 , it is written, "The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight." This verse underscores the value God places on the prayers of those who live uprightly, contrasting it with the empty rituals of the wicked.

Psalm 11:7 states, "For the LORD is righteous; He loves justice. The upright will see His face." Here, the psalmist emphasizes that uprightness is not only pleasing to God but also leads to a deeper relationship with Him, culminating in the ultimate reward of seeing His face.

Characteristics of Uprightness:
1. Integrity: Upright individuals are characterized by their unwavering commitment to truth and honesty. They are consistent in their actions and words, reflecting the integrity of their hearts.

2. Obedience to God: Uprightness involves a steadfast adherence to God's commandments. Psalm 119:1 declares, "Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD."

3. Faithfulness in Prayer: The upright are devoted to prayer, seeking God's guidance and strength. Their prayers are sincere and arise from a heart that desires to align with God's will.

4. Justice and Fairness: Uprightness is marked by a commitment to justice and fairness in dealings with others. Proverbs 2:7 notes, "He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk with integrity."

Examples of Uprightness in Scripture:
· Job: Described as "blameless and upright" (Job 1:1), Job's life exemplifies unwavering faithfulness to God despite severe trials. His integrity and devotion to prayer are evident throughout his account.

· Noah: In Genesis 6:9 , Noah is described as "a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time," who "walked with God." His uprightness led to his selection by God to preserve humanity through the flood.

· Daniel: Known for his unwavering commitment to God, Daniel's uprightness is demonstrated in his refusal to compromise his faith, even in the face of persecution (Daniel 6:4-5).

The Delight of God in Uprightness:
God's delight in the upright is a recurring theme in Scripture. Psalm 37:23 affirms, "The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey." This delight is not only in the actions of the upright but also in their hearts, which earnestly seek to please Him.

The prayers of the upright are particularly cherished by God, as they reflect a genuine relationship with Him. Proverbs 15:29 states, "The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous." This assurance of God's attentive ear to the prayers of the upright encourages believers to pursue a life of integrity and devotion.

Conclusion:
Uprightness is a vital aspect of the Christian life, embodying a heart that seeks to honor God through integrity, obedience, and faithful prayer. Those who walk in uprightness are assured of God's delight and the promise of His presence, as they live in accordance with His righteous standards.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 15:8
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

In Him: Like Him
... and chooses that which is according to the law of uprightness. ... He loves the sinners,
and they draw near to him ... If the Lord Jesus be in you, you must walk as he ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/in him like him.htm

Of the Necessity of Divine Influences to Produce Regeneration in ...
... put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my ... among a thousand, to show unto
man his uprightness, then he ... they can find their relief: or, if they do in ...
/.../practical discourses on regeneration/discourse vii of the necessity.htm

"My Garden" --"His Garden"
... and mention meekness, brotherly kindness, courage, uprightness, or the ... Our business
is to seek to "walk in the ... that through the eternal ages they shall still ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/my gardenhis garden.htm

From the Conference of 1773 to the Commencement of the War in 1776
... full of doubts and fears, now walk in the ... the known integrity of heart, and uprightness
of deportment ... been made disparaging to his character, they were without ...
/.../chapter 1 from the conference.htm

Trials of the Christian
... foes in the dark; his discovering the uprightness of the ... before the temptation comes,
think we can walk upon the ... as the faces of lions, and that they were as ...
/.../bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xiv trials of the christian.htm

Question of the Contemplative Life
... certain participation"in proportion, namely, as they share in ... namely, that here now
by the uprightness and perfection with which we walk we strive ...
/.../on prayer and the contemplative life/question clxxx of the contemplative.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... to him at rovers, or at random; but that when they come to him for benefits, they
direct their prayer to the throne of grace, or to God as considered on a ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

The Letter of the Church of Rome
... and "guide our steps so that we walk with holy ... pleasing to you," [156] so that they
may administer ... please almighty God by your uprightness, truthfulness, and ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the letter of the church.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... to be wandering, and the soul said to walk by them ... liberty of the ordinances and
appointments of their God; to wit ... are they that dwell in thy house, they will be ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm

A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican
... Oh, how many men speak all that they speak in prayer, rather to themselves,
or to their auditory, than to God that dwelleth in heaven! ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse upon the pharisee.htm