The term "uprights" in the Bible often refers to individuals who live in accordance with God's laws and exhibit moral integrity and righteousness. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of holiness and obedience to God's commandments. The Hebrew word often translated as "upright" is "yashar," which conveys the idea of being straight, level, or right.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, the concept of being upright is frequently associated with the righteous and those who follow God's ways. Proverbs 11:3 states, "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them." This verse highlights the guiding nature of uprightness, suggesting that those who live with integrity are led by their moral compass, while those who are unfaithful are led to ruin.

The Psalms also emphasize the blessings and favor that come to the upright. Psalm 112:4 declares, "Light dawns in the darkness for the upright—for the gracious, compassionate, and righteous." Here, the upright are depicted as recipients of divine light and favor, characterized by their graciousness and compassion.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of uprightness is closely linked to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. While the term "upright" itself is less frequently used, the principles of living a righteous and morally sound life are central to the teachings of the New Testament. For instance, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus calls His followers to a higher standard of righteousness that surpasses that of the Pharisees (Matthew 5:20).

The Apostle Paul also speaks to the idea of living uprightly in his epistles. In Titus 2:11-12 , Paul writes, "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men. It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age." Here, uprightness is presented as a response to God's grace, a lifestyle that reflects the transformative power of salvation.

Characteristics of the Upright

The Bible outlines several characteristics of those who are considered upright:

1. Integrity: Upright individuals are marked by honesty and moral soundness. They are consistent in their actions and words, reflecting a life that aligns with God's truth.

2. Righteousness: The upright pursue righteousness, seeking to live in a way that is pleasing to God. This involves both personal holiness and social justice, as they strive to reflect God's character in all areas of life.

3. Faithfulness: Upright people are faithful to God and His commandments. They demonstrate loyalty and commitment to God's will, even in the face of adversity.

4. Compassion: As seen in Psalm 112:4, the upright are compassionate and gracious, extending kindness and mercy to others.

The Reward of the Upright

Scripture often speaks of the rewards and blessings that come to those who live uprightly. Proverbs 2:7 states, "He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk with integrity." This verse suggests that God provides wisdom and protection to the upright, serving as their shield and guide.

Moreover, the upright are promised a future hope and security. Proverbs 10:29 declares, "The way of the LORD is a refuge to the upright, but destruction awaits those who do evil." This assurance of refuge and safety underscores the ultimate reward for those who choose to live in accordance with God's ways.

In summary, the concept of "uprights" in the Bible encompasses a life of integrity, righteousness, and faithfulness, characterized by a commitment to God's commandments and a reflection of His character. The upright are assured of God's guidance, protection, and blessing as they navigate the challenges of life.

The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued)
... of thick wood, which, surmounted by a semicircular lid, was decorated with pictures
and hallowed by prayers: four sparrow-hawks, perched on the uprights at the ...
/.../chapter ithe close of the.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... necessary to bring it from a great distance and at considerable expense, they used
it very sparingly, and then merely for lintels, uprights, thresholds, for ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6. <. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Uprights (20 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Uprights (20 Occurrences). Exodus 36:20 And for the
uprights of the House they made boards of hard wood. (BBE). ...
/u/uprights.htm - 12k

Nearest (22 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 40:31 The covered way was on the side nearest the outer square; and there
were palm-trees on the uprights: and there were eight steps going up to it. ...
/n/nearest.htm - 13k

Width (58 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 40:21 And it had three rooms on this side of it and three on that; its uprights
and its covered ways were the same size as those of the first doorway ...
/w/width.htm - 22k

Rooms (69 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 40:10 And the rooms of the doorway on the east were three on this side and
three on that; all three were of the same size; and the uprights on this ...
/r/rooms.htm - 28k

Side-walls (2 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 40:48 Then he took me to the covered way before the house, and took the
measure of its uprights, five cubits on one side and five cubits on the other ...
/s/side-walls.htm - 7k

Square (94 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 40:31 The covered way was on the side nearest the outer square; and there
were palm-trees on the uprights: and there were eight steps going up to it. ...
/s/square.htm - 39k

Size (39 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 40:10 And the rooms of the doorway on the east were three on this side and
three on that; all three were of the same size; and the uprights on this ...
/s/size.htm - 19k

Uprightness (46 Occurrences)

/u/uprightness.htm - 19k

Uprising (4 Occurrences)

/u/uprising.htm - 7k

Roof (55 Occurrences)
... building, including the roofing (see Roofing) and all the materials and construction
necessary to carry and maintain the same upon the walls or other uprights. ...
/r/roof.htm - 24k

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