What does righteousness mean? for Compelling Truth
Righteousness is generally defined as an action or behavior that is morally right or just. Righteousness is frequently mentioned and discussed in the Bible. The Greek word typically translated as righteousness deals with behavior related to other people or toward God in areas of morality, business dealings, or legal matters. It is also often used in contrast with wickedness.
Psalm 1 offers a poetic look at the life and conduct of a righteous person. “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.”
These words clearly indicate that the righteous person does not focus his life on associating with the wicked, but in meditation upon God’s Word. The wicked person will find judgment in the end, but the Lord watches over the way of the righteous. These themes are often repeated in other Psalms and Proverbs.
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While the Christian seeks to live a righteous life, the Bible is also clear there is no one who is righteous on his or her own: “None is righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). Instead, Jesus is called the Righteous One (Acts 7:52) who offers His righteousness to cover the penalty of our sins (2 Corinthians 5:21).
