Definition and Overview

Uprightness, in the biblical context, refers to a state of moral integrity and righteousness, characterized by adherence to God's commandments and a life lived in accordance with His will. It is often associated with the fear of God, which is a profound reverence and respect for the Almighty, acknowledging His authority and majesty. Those who walk in the fear of God are described as upright, living lives that reflect God's holiness and justice.

Biblical References

The concept of uprightness is woven throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God. In the Book of Proverbs, uprightness is frequently linked with wisdom and the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 14:2 states, "He who walks in uprightness fears the LORD, but the devious in his ways despises Him." This verse highlights the intrinsic connection between uprightness and the fear of God, suggesting that true reverence for the Lord naturally leads to a life of integrity.

The Psalms also celebrate the upright, often contrasting their lives with those of the wicked. Psalm 112:1 declares, "Hallelujah! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments." Here, the fear of the Lord is directly associated with delighting in His commandments, which is a hallmark of upright living.

Characteristics of the Upright

1. Obedience to God's Commandments: The upright are characterized by their commitment to obeying God's laws. This obedience is not out of mere duty but stems from a deep-seated reverence for God. As seen in Ecclesiastes 12:13 , "When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind."

2. Integrity and Honesty: Upright individuals are known for their honesty and integrity. They are trustworthy and reliable, reflecting God's truth in their dealings with others. Proverbs 11:3 states, "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them."

3. Righteousness and Justice: The upright pursue righteousness and justice, aligning their actions with God's standards. Psalm 37:30 notes, "The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice."

4. Humility and Teachability: Those who walk in the fear of God exhibit humility, recognizing their dependence on Him. They are teachable, open to correction, and eager to grow in their understanding of God's ways. Proverbs 15:33 affirms, "The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor."

Blessings of Uprightness

The Bible promises numerous blessings for those who live uprightly. These blessings include divine protection, guidance, and favor. 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."

Moreover, the upright enjoy a close relationship with God, experiencing His presence and peace. Proverbs 3:32 reveals, "For the LORD detests the perverse, but He is a friend to the upright."

Examples of Upright Individuals

Several biblical figures exemplify uprightness through their lives:

· Job: Described as "blameless and upright, fearing God and shunning evil" (Job 1:1), Job's life is a testament to unwavering faith and integrity, even amidst severe trials.

· Noah: In a corrupt generation, Noah stood out for his righteousness. Genesis 6:9 records, "Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation; Noah walked with God."

· Daniel: Known for his steadfast faith and integrity, Daniel remained committed to God's laws despite facing persecution. Daniel 6:4 notes that his enemies "could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent."

Conclusion

Uprightness, as demonstrated by those who walk in the fear of God, is a vital aspect of the Christian life. It reflects a heart fully devoted to God, manifesting in obedience, integrity, and righteousness. The Scriptures consistently affirm that such a life is blessed by God, both in this world and in the life to come.Proverbs 14:2
He that walks in his uprightness fears the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despises him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Two Paths
... and joy, which is the best reward of walking in the paths of uprightness, can be ...
Blessed they who in the morning of their days begin to walk in the way ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the two paths.htm

How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, when Error Prevaileth, and ...
... This is to walk by some other rule than the word ... desire to follow his way in truth
and uprightness, and to ... mean to keep them right: for then are they in God's ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xvi how to make.htm

On Repentance
... to itself of this rectitude, or uprightness, no necessity ... away from sins, and returning
to God, they "walk in newness of ... 34:14; Jeremiah 4:1.) They are united ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 17 on repentance.htm

Whether it is Praiseworthy to Enter Religion Without Taking ...
... shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not ... that leads" man "into the land
of uprightness" (Ps.142 ... Or can they either in themselves, and not rather in ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is praiseworthy to.htm

Our Lord's Prayer for his People's Sanctification
... our raiment; it is indeed when we walk in the ... their Lord and one another; and thus
they come into ... Uprightness of walk and cleanness of heart are absolutely ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/our lords prayer for his.htm

Doing Glory to God in Pursuits of the World.
... softness or constraint of manner; but they shall see ... and folly, and by a conscientious
walk; so, on the ... report in social life, by uprightness, honesty, prudence ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon xi doing glory to.htm

"Who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. "
... is good, lead me into the land of uprightness, quicken me ... Remember it is a Spirit
ye must walk after; now, what ... as may be seen of men; and if they would enter ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon iv who walk not.htm

Solomon
... call to work comes the call to walk circumspectly before ... they had been toward David,
and they obeyed him ... marked with devotion to God, with uprightness and firm ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 1 solomon.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... froward things, who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk ... Shall they ever be set
in the firmament again ... It is safest to walk with good and righteous men, for ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

Hooker -- the Activity of Faith; Or, Abraham's Imitators
... be a use of comfort to all the saints and people of God, whose consciences can witness
that they have labored to walk in the uprightness of their ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/hooker the activity of.htm

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