Topical Bible: Character of Saints: Upright

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The term "upright" in the context of the character of saints refers to a moral and ethical standard that aligns with God's righteousness. It is a quality that is highly esteemed in the Scriptures and is indicative of a life lived in accordance with divine principles. The upright are those who walk in integrity, truth, and righteousness, reflecting the character of God in their daily lives.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of uprightness is deeply rooted in the Bible, where it is often associated with righteousness and integrity. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "yashar" is frequently used to describe the upright, conveying the idea of being straight, level, or right. In the New Testament, the Greek word "dikaios" is often translated as righteous or just, encompassing the idea of uprightness.

Characteristics of the Upright

1. Integrity and Honesty: The upright are characterized by their integrity and honesty. Proverbs 11:3 states, "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them." This verse highlights the guiding principle of integrity that directs the lives of the upright.

2. Fear of the Lord: The fear of the Lord is a foundational aspect of uprightness. Proverbs 14:2 declares, "He who walks in uprightness fears the LORD, but the devious in his ways despises Him." The upright live with a reverent fear of God, which influences their actions and decisions.

3. Righteous Living: The upright are committed to living righteously. Psalm 15:2 describes the one who may dwell in God's holy hill as "he who walks with integrity and practices righteousness, who speaks the truth from his heart." This commitment to righteousness is a hallmark of the upright.

4. Trust in the Lord: Trusting in God is a defining trait of the upright. Psalm 112:7 says, "He will not fear bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD." The upright place their confidence in God, regardless of circumstances.

5. Justice and Fairness: The upright are known for their sense of justice and fairness. Proverbs 29:27 states, "An unjust man is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked." The upright uphold justice and fairness in their dealings with others.

Blessings of Uprightness

The Bible promises numerous blessings for those who are upright. Psalm 84:11 assures, "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 emphasizes the divine favor and protection granted to the upright.

Additionally, Proverbs 2:7 reveals, "He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk with integrity." The upright are recipients of God's wisdom and protection, underscoring the benefits of living an upright life.

Examples of Uprightness in Scripture

Several biblical figures exemplify the character of uprightness. Job is described as "blameless and upright, fearing God and shunning evil" (Job 1:1). His life serves as a testament to the steadfastness and integrity of the upright.

King David, despite his failings, is often portrayed as a man after God's own heart, striving to live uprightly. In Psalm 25:21 , David prays, "May integrity and uprightness preserve me, because I wait for You."

Conclusion

The character of saints as upright is a vital aspect of their spiritual identity. It reflects a life committed to God's standards, marked by integrity, righteousness, and a deep trust in the Lord. The upright are blessed with divine favor and protection, serving as beacons of God's righteousness in a world often characterized by moral ambiguity.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 3:6
And Solomon said, You have showed to your servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before you in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with you; and you have kept for him this great kindness, that you have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.
Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 15:2
He that walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Good Man Useful in Life and Happy in Death.
... Providence, and the apparent disregard of character, in those ... after glancing at the
lives of saints and sinners ... Mark the perfect man and behold the upright.". ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxv the good man.htm

Saints and Faithful
... of the loftiest elevation and attainment of the Christian character. ... Only remember
if the 'saints in Ephesus' are to ... if a man will walk bolt upright, he will ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/saints and faithful.htm

How Saints May Help the Devil
... the man is like Job, "perfect and upright, and one ... find no fault with Job whatever,
his character was untainted ... followers of Jesus, who washed his saints' feet ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/how saints may help the.htm

Covenanting a Privilege of Believers.
... Adoption into the family of God is of this character. ... to him or otherwise, was good
for his saints.[621] Some ... give thee peace."[628] Yea, the upright shall come ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter x covenanting a privilege.htm

God's Need of Men who Pray
... Men must walk in upright fashion in order to be able ... when character and conduct are
at a low ebb, praying can ... out of place in the communion of saints, out of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/iv gods need of men.htm

A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... by-and-by, and learn to stand upright by the ... being partakers of the inheritance of
the saints in light ... saith the Lord," no matter what our character or standing ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a mystery saints sorrowing and.htm

The Saint's Heritage and Watchword
... Protestantism, devised a plot horrible and diabolical enough to render them for
ever hateful among upright men. ... The character of the saints God himself ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 50 1904/the saints heritage and watchword.htm

The Seventh (And Last) vision "On Earth"
... the "memory" and the "character" of the saints can reign ... differs (as we have seen)
in character from the ... heavenly or earthly, can stand ("upright") or "consist ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the seventh and last vision.htm

David's Cry for Purity
... little of his foul sin, nor that 'saints' make up ... will not be solidity enough in
our character to bear ... to have a right spirit"one that is upright and unbent ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/davids cry for purity.htm

Attributes of Love.
... attribute of benevolence appears conspicuous in the character of God ... Just and righteous
are thy ways, thou King of saints!". ... he is at present in an upright state ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xiv attributes of love.htm