Topical Encyclopedia Uprightness, in the biblical context, refers to a state of moral integrity and righteousness that aligns with God's standards. It is a quality that is highly esteemed in Scripture, often associated with wisdom, fear of the Lord, and a life that is pleasing to God. The way of uprightness is characterized by a conscious and deliberate departure from evil, as it seeks to honor God through righteous living.Biblical Foundation The concept of uprightness is deeply rooted in the wisdom literature of the Bible. Proverbs 16:17 states, "The highway of the upright leads away from evil; he who guards his way protects his life." This verse highlights the proactive nature of uprightness, emphasizing that it is not merely about avoiding sin but actively choosing a path that distances oneself from evil influences. Fear of the Lord A key aspect of uprightness is the fear of the Lord, which is often described as the beginning of wisdom. Proverbs 8:13 declares, "To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech." The fear of the Lord instills a deep reverence for God and a corresponding disdain for anything that contradicts His holiness. This reverence compels the upright to reject evil in all its forms. Righteous Living Uprightness is manifested through righteous living, which involves adherence to God's commandments and a commitment to ethical conduct. Psalm 37:27 instructs, "Turn away from evil and do good, so that you will abide forever." This call to action underscores the dynamic nature of uprightness, which is not passive but involves a continuous effort to pursue goodness and shun wickedness. Protection and Blessing The Bible frequently associates uprightness with divine protection and blessing. Proverbs 2:7-8 affirms, "He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk with integrity, to guard the paths of justice and protect the way of His saints." Here, uprightness is linked with God's provision of wisdom and His protective care, suggesting that those who walk in uprightness are under His special favor. Contrast with Wickedness The Scriptures often contrast the way of the upright with the path of the wicked. Proverbs 4:14-15 warns, "Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it; do not travel on it. Turn from it and pass on by." This stark contrast serves as a reminder that uprightness requires a conscious decision to reject the allure of sin and to choose the path of righteousness. Role of the Heart Uprightness is not merely an external adherence to rules but is deeply connected to the condition of the heart. Psalm 119:11 expresses this internal aspect: "I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You." The internalization of God's Word is crucial for maintaining uprightness, as it transforms the heart and mind, enabling believers to resist evil and live in accordance with God's will. Conclusion The way of uprightness, as depicted in the Bible, is a journey marked by a deliberate departure from evil and a steadfast commitment to righteousness. It is a path that honors God, reflects His character, and leads to His blessings and protection. Through the fear of the Lord, righteous living, and a heart aligned with God's Word, believers are empowered to walk in uprightness, shining as lights in a world often overshadowed by darkness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 16:17The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keeps his way preserves his soul. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library In the Sunless Crypt On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. vi. 19, "Lay not up for ... Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ... Ephesians vi. 14 The Testament of Gad Concerning Hatred. How we Should at all Times Praise God. The Good Man Useful in Life and Happy in Death. An Anonymous Sermon, Commonly Called Clement's Second Letter to ... Letter Xciii. (AD 408. ) "Nunc Dimittis" Resources What does the Bible say about integrity? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is righteousness? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to believe in God? | GotQuestions.org Uprightness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Uprightness with Poverty, is Better than Folly Uprightness with Poverty, is Better than Sin With Riches Uprightness: A Characteristic of Saints Uprightness: God Created Man In Uprightness: God Has Pleasure In Uprightness: God is Perfect In Uprightness: Man Has Deviated From Uprightness: Pray for Those Who Walk In Uprightness: Reprove Those Who Deviate From Uprightness: Saints should Resolve to Walk In Uprightness: should be in Heart Uprightness: should be in Judging Uprightness: should be in Ruling Uprightness: should be in Speech Uprightness: should be in Walk Uprightness: The Being Kept from Presumptuous Sins is Necessary To Uprightness: The Truly Wise Walk In Uprightness: The Way of, is to Depart from Evil Uprightness: The Wicked: do not Act With Uprightness: The Wicked: Have Not, in Heart Uprightness: The Wicked: Leave not the Path of Uprightness: They Who Walk in a Blessing to Others Uprightness: They Who Walk in Abominated by the Wicked Uprightness: They Who Walk in Countenanced by God Uprightness: They Who Walk in Defended by God Uprightness: They Who Walk in Delighted in by God Uprightness: They Who Walk in Direct Their Way Uprightness: They Who Walk in Fear God Uprightness: They Who Walk in Find Strengths in God's Way Uprightness: They Who Walk in Guided by Integrity Uprightness: They Who Walk in Hated by the Wicked Uprightness: They Who Walk in Kept by Righteousness Uprightness: They Who Walk in Love Christ Uprightness: They Who Walk in Obtain Good from God's Work Uprightness: They Who Walk in Obtain Light in Darkness Uprightness: They Who Walk in Persecuted by the Wicked Uprightness: They Who Walk in Praise is Comely For Uprightness: They Who Walk in Prospered by God Uprightness: They Who Walk in Recompensed by God Uprightness: They Who Walk in Scorned by the Wicked Uprightness: They Who Walk in Their Prayer Delighted in by God Uprightness: They Who Walk in Upheld in It by God Uprightness: They Who Walk in Walk Surely Uprightness: They Who Walk In, Shall: Be Blessed Uprightness: They Who Walk In, Shall: Be Delivered by Righteousness Uprightness: They Who Walk In, Shall: Be Delivered by Their Wisdom Uprightness: They Who Walk In, Shall: Be Saved Uprightness: They Who Walk In, Shall: Dwell in the Land Uprightness: They Who Walk In, Shall: Dwell on High and be Provided For Uprightness: They Who Walk In, Shall: Dwell With God Uprightness: They Who Walk In, Shall: Enter Into Peace Uprightness: They Who Walk In, Shall: Have Dominion Over the Wicked Uprightness: They Who Walk In, Shall: Have Inheritance for Ever Uprightness: They Who Walk In, Shall: Have Nothing Good Withheld Uprightness: They Who Walk In, Shall: Possess Good Things Related Terms Understandest (10 Occurrences) Loving-kindness (150 Occurrences) Righteousness (442 Occurrences) |