Uprightness

The subjects discussed in the present chapter will be found to group themselves round three leading ideas which lie at the foundation of that which is right, as it is set before man in Scripture. First, we are given a conception of rectitude, or the keeping to a straight and even line, as opposed to depravity, which swerves from the appointed course; secondly, we are presented with an idea of fixedness, stability, and realisation of the Truth of God, as contrasted with that which is transient, uncertain, and illusory; and, thirdly, there is set forth a spirit of dependence on Him who is the Source of Right and Truth.

The idea of rectitude or uprightness is presented by the word yashar (ישׁר), whence the names Jasher and Jeshurun are derived. (In Assyrian, esiru is to go straight, and isaru is upright.) this word is found wherever the A. V. uses the word equity, except in Ecc 2:21, and Isa 59:14 (compare Isa 26:10; Isa 57:2), where other words of the same significance are used.

Yashar is rendered just in Pro 29:10, and righteous in Num 23:10, ’Let me die the death of the righteous.’ See also Job 4:7; Job 23:7; Psa 67:4; Psa 96:10; Psa 107:42; Pro 2:7; Pro 3:32; Pro 14:19; Pro 15:19; Pro 28:10.

The LXX renders the verb yashar by ἀρέσκω, κατευθύνω, and κατορθόω; also by ὀρθοτομέω, in two passages, namely, Pro 3:6, ’He shall direct your paths;’ and Pro 11:5, ’The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way.’ The noun is usually rendered εὐθύς, but we also find ὀρθός, ἀληθινός, ἀρεστόν, δίκαιος.

The verb κατευθύνω is used only three times in the N.T., namely, in Luk 1:79, 1Th 3:11, and 2Th 3:5; and on each occasion reference is made to the work of God in rightly directing the heart and ways of man in 2Ti 2:15, where we meet with the word ὀρθοτομει̂ν, the A. V. renders the passage ’rightly dividing the word of truth.’ Some commentators have illustrated the word in this passage by the work of the carpenter or the stonemason; but it is probable that the LXX is the best guide in the matter. If so, we may render it ’rightly directing the word of truth,’ i.e. setting it forth in uprightness. Compare Gossner’s version, where we find ’verfährt,’ and the Vulgate, ’recte tractantem.’ The work of the ploughman gives a good illustration of St. Paul’s meaning. See R. V., and compare Luk 9:62.

The LORD Being Upright

Psa_25:8; Psa_92:15; Isa_26:4-7.

The LORD Having Pleasure In Uprightness

1Ch_29:17.

The Reward For Being Upright

2Sa_22:21-26; Psa_18:20-25.

The Upright

2Sa_22:21-26; Job_1:6-10; Psa_7:10; Psa_11:7; Psa_15:1-5; Psa_18:24-25; Psa_32:11; Psa_37:18-19; Psa_37:37; Psa_49:6-14; Psa_64:10; Psa_84:11; Psa_112:1-4; Psa_140:12-13; Pro_2:6-7; Pro_2:21; Pro_10:9; Pro_10:29; Pro_11:3; Pro_11:11; Pro_11:20; Pro_12:6; Pro_13:6; Pro_14:2; Pro_14:11; Pro_15:8; Pro_16:17; Pro_21:29; Pro_28:6; Pro_28:10; Pro_28:18; Pro_29:10; Pro_29:27; Isa_33:15-16.

What Is Done In Uprightness

Psa_111:4-8.

What Is Upright

Psa_119:137; Isa_26:7.

Who The LORD Shows Himself Upright Toward

2Sa_22:21-26; Psa_18:24-25.

Who Walks Uprightly

Pro_15:21; Isa_57:1-2.