Definition and Importance
Uprightness, in a biblical context, refers to the quality of being morally correct, honest, and just. It is a state of integrity and righteousness that aligns with God's standards. The Bible emphasizes that true uprightness is not merely an external adherence to rules but a condition of the heart. This internal uprightness is crucial for a genuine relationship with God and is a reflection of His character in the believer's life.

Biblical References
The concept of uprightness being rooted in the heart is a recurring theme in Scripture. In the Old Testament, King David is often highlighted as a model of uprightness. In 1 Kings 9:4 , God speaks to Solomon, saying, "As for you, if you walk before Me as your father David walked, with integrity of heart and uprightness, doing all I have commanded you and keeping My statutes and ordinances." Here, uprightness is linked with integrity of heart, suggesting that it is an internal quality that manifests in obedience to God's commands.

The Psalms frequently address the theme of uprightness. Psalm 7:10 states, "My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart." This verse underscores the protective and salvific relationship God has with those whose hearts are upright. Similarly, Psalm 11:7 declares, "For the LORD is righteous; He loves justice. The upright will see His face." This indicates that uprightness in heart is essential for experiencing God's presence and favor.

Heart Condition and Actions
The Bible teaches that the heart is the wellspring of life and the source of one's actions. Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This verse highlights the importance of maintaining a pure and upright heart, as it influences one's behavior and decisions. Jesus further emphasizes this in the New Testament, teaching that what comes out of the mouth reflects what is in the heart (Matthew 15:18-19).

Role of the Holy Spirit
Uprightness in heart is not achievable through human effort alone but is a work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life. The transformation of the heart is a key aspect of the New Covenant, as prophesied in Ezekiel 36:26-27 : "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances." This passage reveals that God Himself enables believers to live uprightly by renewing their hearts and empowering them through His Spirit.

Practical Implications
Living with uprightness in heart involves a daily commitment to align one's thoughts, desires, and actions with God's will. It requires humility, repentance, and a continual reliance on God's grace. Believers are called to examine their hearts regularly, as encouraged in Psalm 139:23-24 : "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting." This prayer reflects a desire for God to purify the heart and guide the believer in righteousness.

Conclusion
Uprightness in heart is a foundational aspect of the Christian life, reflecting a sincere devotion to God and His ways. It is cultivated through a relationship with God, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and evidenced by a life of integrity and obedience.2 Chronicles 29:34
But the priests were too few, so that they could not flay all the burnt offerings: why their brothers the Levites did help them, till the work was ended, and until the other priests had sanctified themselves: for the Levites were more upright in heart to sanctify themselves than the priests.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 125:4
Do good, O LORD, to those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

That the Ruler Should not Set his Heart on Pleasing Men, and yet ...
... the ruler should not set his heart on pleasing men ... them, lest their affection for
himself should grow dull ... that are falling from their uprightness and reclining ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter viii that the ruler.htm

How we Can do Nothing against Our Faults Without the Help of God ...
... without the help of God, and how we should not be ... this very point: "Say not in thine
heart when the ... is not for thy righteousness, and the uprightness of thine ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xv how we can.htm

The Answer, Telling that this Question Should be Reserved for a ...
... be propounded by us quietly and with an heart entirely free from all bustling thoughts,
so should they be ... by one who is without the gift of uprightness. ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xxxvi the answer telling.htm

Promises and Threatenings
... on us should 'make a sunshine in a shady place,' should lighten labour and ... for there
follow it, in verse 4, 'integrity of heart and uprightness,' on which ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/promises and threatenings.htm

How we Should at all Times Praise God.
... my Lord all my uprightness lies in Thy boundless compassion. ... sentiments; nay, if
I knew that I should have to ... of hell, however it might afflict my heart to be ...
/.../suso/a little book of eternal wisdom/chapter xxv how we should.htm

The Prayer of Prayers
... Spirit is good; therefore lead me into the land of uprightness.' I can ... God,' there
can be no deeper desire in His heart, than that His will should be my ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the prayer of prayers.htm

Of the Time and Measure of Refreshment.
... even on the highest festivals we should similarly abstain ... from which we preserve
our uprightness on common ... most excellent festival of the heart, which exults ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xxiii of the time.htm

The Testament of Issachar Concerning Simplicity.
... my children, and walk in simplicity of heart, for I ... thought of female beauty, that
he should not pollute ... insatiate desire; for he walketh in uprightness of life ...
/.../v the testament of issachar concerning.htm

Solomon
... king would walk before the Lord in uprightness, if he ... In his heart there was no selfish
aspirations for a ... who today occupy positions of trust should seek to ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 1 solomon.htm

Secondly, to Assign Some Reasons Why Christians must Make this the ...
... lusteth against the flesh." Thy grief also discovers the uprightness of thy ... It is
impossible that a disordered and neglected heart should ever produce well ...
/.../flavel/on keeping the heart/secondly to assign some reasons.htm

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Uprightness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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