What does it mean to be "upright" and receive God's "counsel"? Setting the Scene Psalm 32:8: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.” Psalm 32:11: “Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous; shout for joy, all you upright in heart!” What “Upright” Means • Straight, level, aligned with God’s revealed standard (Psalm 25:8; Proverbs 3:32) • Integrity that shows in both private and public life (Proverbs 11:3) • A heart free of deceit, loving truth (Psalm 15:1–2) • A lifestyle that consistently “walks in His ways” (Deuteronomy 10:12–13) Marks of an Upright Life • Honesty in speech and business • Faithfulness in marriage and relationships • Justice toward the weak (Proverbs 29:7) • Humility and ready repentance when sin is exposed (Psalm 32:5) What “Counsel” Means • God’s personal instruction—He Himself teaches (Psalm 16:7; Isaiah 28:26) • Practical guidance for decisions (“the way you should go,” Psalm 32:8) • Protection: His counsel guards us from hidden traps (Proverbs 2:11–12) • Comforting assurance—His “eye upon you” signals attentive care (Psalm 33:18) How Uprightness Positions Us to Receive Counsel • Shared values: when the heart is straight, God’s voice is recognizable (John 10:27) • Open channel: sin unconfessed hinders guidance, but upright hearts keep short accounts (Isaiah 59:2) • Obedient posture: God speaks more when earlier light has been obeyed (John 7:17) • Spirit-filled awareness: the Spirit leads those who walk in integrity (Galatians 5:16, 25) Ways to Cultivate Uprightness and Hear God’s Counsel 1. Daily Scripture intake—aligns the heart (Psalm 19:7–11). 2. Transparent prayer—invite the Spirit to search and correct (Psalm 139:23–24). 3. Prompt confession—keep fellowship unbroken (1 John 1:9). 4. Community accountability—wise believers reinforce straight paths (Proverbs 27:17). 5. Active obedience—act on the last clear word from God (James 1:22). 6. Listening silence—create space where His whisper isn’t crowded out (1 Kings 19:12–13). Blessings Promised to the Upright Who Accept God’s Counsel • Joy and celebration (Psalm 32:11) • Security—He is “a shield” (Proverbs 2:7) • Progress without stumbling (Proverbs 4:18) • Fruitful decision-making (Proverbs 3:5–6) • Eternal reward—“the upright will dwell in Your presence” (Psalm 140:13) Takeaway Being upright is living straight before God; receiving His counsel is walking guided by His loving eye. One flows into the other: integrity opens the ear, and divine counsel sustains integrity. |
    |