The Upright Are God's Delight: True Uprightness Defined

Proverbs 11:20 declares that those upright in their way are Yahweh's delight. But who truly are the upright? Not merely those claiming natural sincerity—the apostle Paul himself believed himself righteous before conversion, yet his uprightness crumbled under God's holy light. True uprightness comes only through the workmanship of the Holy Spirit, God's new creation in the believer.

The genuinely upright are seen in Scripture's humblest figures: the publican striking his breast in contrition, the prodigal returning home, the sinful woman weeping tears of penitence at Jesus's feet, Matthew, Zacchaeus, and Nicodemus. Even the weakest believer who holds fast integrity amidst doubt and trial possesses this uprightness. Such a man mourns over inbred corruptions and often despises himself, yet maintains his prosoche (watchfulness) in grace.

Yahweh's delight centers not on their actions merely, but on the individuals themselves—the reflection of His own image wrought by His Son's mediation. He beholds their humiliation, their broken hearts, their falling tears. This uprightness proves so precious before God that He overlooks faults where it dwells. Here lies the encouragement for the honestly seeking: God knows your integrity. Your inheritance shall be forever. (J. Harrington Evans, 1887)