Definition and Nature of Uprightness

Uprightness, in biblical terms, refers to a state of moral integrity and righteousness that aligns with God's standards. It is characterized by honesty, fairness, and adherence to God's commandments. The concept of uprightness is deeply rooted in the character of God Himself, who is described as upright and just. Those who walk in uprightness are those who live in accordance with God's will, reflecting His holiness in their daily lives.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of uprightness and the delight God takes in those who embody it. In the Old Testament, the Psalms and Proverbs often highlight the blessings and favor that come to the upright. Psalm 11:7 states, "For the LORD is righteous; He loves justice. The upright will see His face." This verse underscores the intimate relationship between God and those who pursue uprightness, promising them the ultimate reward of His presence.

Proverbs 2:7 further affirms, "He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk with integrity." Here, uprightness is associated with divine wisdom and protection, indicating that God actively supports and defends those who live righteously.

Characteristics of the Upright

The upright are marked by their commitment to truth and justice. They are individuals who consistently choose to do what is right, even when it is difficult or unpopular. Proverbs 11:3 declares, "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, contrasting it with the destructive path of those who lack faithfulness.

Moreover, the upright are known for their compassion and mercy. Psalm 112:4 describes them as, "Light dawns in the darkness for the upright—for the gracious, compassionate, and righteous." This passage illustrates that uprightness is not merely about personal morality but also involves extending grace and kindness to others.

God's Delight in the Upright

God's delight in the upright is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. Proverbs 15:8 states, "The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight." This verse contrasts the empty rituals of the wicked with the sincere prayers of the upright, emphasizing that God values the heart and intentions behind actions.

Furthermore, Psalm 37:18 assures, "The LORD knows the days of the blameless, and their inheritance will last forever." This promise of eternal inheritance reflects God's enduring pleasure in those who walk uprightly, assuring them of His everlasting favor and blessing.

Examples of Uprightness in Scripture

Several biblical figures exemplify uprightness, serving as models for believers. Job is described as "blameless and upright, fearing God and shunning evil" (Job 1:1). Despite severe trials, Job's unwavering integrity and faithfulness to God highlight the essence of uprightness.

Another example is Daniel, who maintained his commitment to God despite living in a foreign land with opposing values. Daniel 6:4 notes, "Then the administrators and satraps sought to find a charge against Daniel regarding the kingdom, but they could find no charge or corruption, because he was trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was found in him." Daniel's life of integrity and faithfulness to God amidst adversity exemplifies the characteristics of the upright.

The Call to Uprightness

Believers are called to pursue uprightness as a reflection of their relationship with God. Micah 6:8 succinctly captures this call: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" This verse encapsulates the essence of uprightness, urging believers to live justly, love mercy, and maintain a humble walk with God.

In the New Testament, the call to uprightness is reiterated through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Ephesians 4:24 encourages believers to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." This transformation into a life of uprightness is made possible through the work of the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to reflect God's character in their conduct.Proverbs 11:20
They that are of a fraudulent heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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

"Nunc Dimittis"
... Thou art with me." Neither is it a walk that need ... 57:2: "He shall enter into peace:
they shall rest ... their beds, each one walking in his uprightness." Here is ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/nunc dimittis.htm

Dawn in the Hills
... last hour it amounted to a deflection from his newly resolved uprightness. ... "We did
not walk all night ... men dislike to discover of a woman whom they greatly admire ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter vi dawn in the.htm

Of the Necessity of Divine Influences to Produce Regeneration in ...
... my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my ... which they know, in their own
consciences, they are so ... a thousand, to show unto man his uprightness, then he ...
/.../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

The Great Awakening.
... by the rules of honesty, justice, and uprightness; not to ... in his pocket for wayside
reading on a walk from London to ... of this synod, and that if they should sit ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter xi the great awakening.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
... a certain participation"in proportion, namely, as they share in ... we are absent from
the Lord, we walk by faith ... that here now by the uprightness and perfection ...
/.../on prayer and the contemplative life/question clxxx of the contemplative.htm

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
... Not for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thine ... want a heart; they seek
not after God according to ... out of the way; how then can they walk therein? ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.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

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