Topical Bible: Uprightness: They Who Walk in Obtain Good from God's Work

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Definition and Nature of Uprightness

Uprightness, in biblical terms, refers to a state of moral integrity and righteousness, characterized by adherence to God's commandments and a life that reflects His holiness. It is a quality that God desires in His people, as it aligns with His own nature. The Hebrew word often translated as "upright" is "yashar," which conveys the idea of being straight, level, or right. In the New Testament, the Greek word "dikaios" is used, meaning just or righteous.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of uprightness. In the Old Testament, uprightness is often associated with wisdom and the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 2:7 states, "He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk with integrity." This verse highlights the protective and guiding role of wisdom for those who live uprightly.

In the New Testament, uprightness is closely linked to faith and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:24 encourages believers to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." This new self is characterized by uprightness, reflecting the moral purity and integrity of God.

The Blessings of Uprightness

Scripture promises numerous blessings for those who walk in uprightness. Psalm 84:11 declares, "For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD gives grace and glory. He withholds no good thing from those who walk with integrity." This assurance of divine favor and provision underscores the benefits of living a life aligned with God's standards.

Furthermore, Proverbs 11:3 states, "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them." Here, uprightness is portrayed as a guiding force, leading individuals in paths of safety and prosperity, while contrasting the destructive outcomes of a life lacking integrity.

Uprightness in Relationship with God

Walking in uprightness is not merely about external behavior but is deeply rooted in one's relationship with God. It involves a heart that seeks to please Him and a life that reflects His character. Psalm 25:21 expresses this desire: "May integrity and uprightness preserve me, because I wait for You."

The pursuit of uprightness is also a response to God's work in the believer's life. Philippians 2:13 reminds us, "For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose." This divine enablement empowers believers to live uprightly, aligning their will with God's purposes.

Examples of Uprightness in Scripture

The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who exemplified uprightness. Job is described as "blameless and upright, fearing God and shunning evil" (Job 1:1). Despite severe trials, Job's commitment to uprightness remained steadfast, ultimately resulting in God's blessing and restoration.

Another example is Daniel, who maintained his integrity and faithfulness to God even in a foreign land. Daniel 6:4 notes, "Then the administrators and satraps sought to find a charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom, but they could find no charge or corruption, because he was trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was found in him."

The Call to Uprightness

Believers are called to pursue uprightness as a reflection of their faith and devotion to God. Micah 6:8 encapsulates 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 highlights the integral role of uprightness in the life of a believer, encompassing justice, mercy, and humility.

In conclusion, uprightness is a vital aspect of the Christian life, bringing about divine favor, guidance, and a deeper relationship with God. Through His grace and the work of the Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to walk in uprightness, reflecting the character of their Creator.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Micah 2:7
O you that are named the house of Jacob, is the spirit of the LORD straitened? are these his doings? do not my words do good to him that walks uprightly?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Prayer and God's Work
... the foundation of solid honesty, and does uprightness bring them ... They do not steadily
walk as He walked ... In order that they may be effective agents, they must be ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/vii prayer and gods work.htm

"There is Therefore Now no Condemnation to them which are in ...
... O how should you walk as privileged men, as redeemed ... Indeed they were more and better
than any now ... whose hands are defiled, maintain the uprightness of their ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon i there is therefore.htm

How Can I Obtain Faith?
... the more a man lives in the walk of faith ... practitioner, well known for truthfulness,
uprightness, and every ... or perhaps of scarlet poppies, and they cry "What a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/how can i obtain faith.htm

Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity Duty to New and Old Man.
... and feels a desire for a godly walk and good ... and monastic saints, who base their
holiness and uprightness solely on ... Is their Christ such a one as they honor by ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/nineteenth sunday after trinity duty.htm

How Christ is to be Made Use of as Our Life, in Case of ...
... prayer with that measure of earnestness and uprightness of heart ... and not be weary,
and they shall walk and not ... storms that blow in their face, they are helped ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xxii how christ is.htm

"Now the End of the Commandment," &C.
... That purity is sincerity and uprightness (James 4:8), "Purify ... no unclean thing can
enter, shall he walk in his ... obtain the remission of these sins they are not ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xiii now the end.htm

Twenty-Seven Articles Respecting the Reformation of the Christian ...
... and are famed in all histories for uprightness and truth ... Did not Christ have to walk
with His disciples, suffering ... If they had but once more a regular bishop ...
/.../iii twenty-seven articles respecting the.htm

The Life of Mr. Alexander Moncrief.
... Afterward they went and visited her on his behalf ... of his eminent piety, integrity
and uprightness, severals of all ... Providentially he had gone out to walk by the ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr alexander 3.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

Prayer.
... they did spend all they had to obtain it, than ... righteous man: yea, and herein appears
the uprightness of his ... look, and with what terror would they walk up and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xix prayer.htm