Righteousness is a pervasive theme in the Bible, one that speaks to our moral, ethical and spiritual state. It unfolds across the Old and New Testaments demonstrating facets of Godly and human righteousness. The concept of righteousness is part of fundamental bible teachings and an inherent part of the character of God, which He seeks to cultivate in us.
What is Biblical Righteousness?
The Bible presents righteousness as a state of moral uprightness or integrity. It refers to being right with God and living according to His moral law. To be righteous is to conform to God’s standards and live in a manner that pleases Him. This is not about adhering to a rigid set of rules but adopting a way of life that reflects God’s character with justice and fairness, love, and mercy.
Where is Righteousness Reflected in the Bible?
Righteousness permeates the Bible. In the Old Testament, it is often referred to in connection with God’s law and His covenant with His people. The Book of Psalms portrays God as the source of righteousness and delivers it to His people. In the New Testament, righteousness is linked to faith in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, emphasizes that righteousness comes through faith, not through the Law or our own efforts. The Gospels, particularly Matthew, talk about righteousness as the “Kingdom’s way of life,” which involves living selflessly, compassionately, and mercifully.
Why Does Righteousness Matter?
Righteousness matters because it is vital for a healthy relationship with God. God desires us to be righteous, not just because it’s morally right, but because it aligns us with His nature and intentions. In the Bible, righteousness is part of the blueprint for human flourishing—it is synonymous with peace, justice, and joy. Therefore, the pursuit of righteousness can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding life.
When Must We Pursue Righteousness?
The Bible urges us to pursue righteousness continually—every day of our lives. This is not a one-time achievement but a continuous journey. It involves conscious decisions, actions, and attitudes in every circumstance, whether big or small. It is about doing what is right, fair and just, regardless of difficulty or odds. It requires resisting temptations and choosing Godly over worldly ways, even if it means standing alone.
Who are the Examples of Righteousness?
The Bible frequently refers to people who exemplify righteousness. Among the many examples are figures like Noah, who stood as righteous amidst a corrupt generation; Abraham, credited with righteousness because of his faith; David, who sought after God’s righteousness despite his flaws. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is the embodiment of perfect righteousness, living a sinless life, and sacrificing Himself for the sins of humanity. His righteousness becomes the believers’ righteousness when they accept faith in Him.
Below is the full list of bible verses on righteousness (King James Version – KJV). The list is ranked in order of popularity and we hope you find the inspiration you need.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Righteousness
1 John 3:7
“7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.”
Related Themes: Friendship
1 John 2:29
“29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.”
Related Themes: Holiness
Romans 5:1-5
“1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
Related Themes: Attitude Peace Hope Frustration Hope
Psalm 106:3
“3 Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.”
Related Themes: Justice Fairness Social Justice
Isaiah 33:15-17
“15 He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;16 He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.17 Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off.”
Related Themes: Money
Matthew 5:20
“20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
Related Themes: Holiness
1 Peter 3:14
“14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;”
Related Themes: Suffering Persecution Respecting Your Parents Fear
2 Corinthians 5:21
“21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
Related Themes: Holiness Sin New Life Indulgence
1 Peter 5:10
“10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”
Related Themes: Suffering Hope Restoration Addiction Anxiety
Romans 10:4
“4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.”
2 Timothy 2:22
“22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
1 John 5:18
“18 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.”
Related Themes: Devil Perfection
Matthew 6:33
“33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Philippians 3:9
“9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:”
Related Themes: Justification
Ezekiel 18:5-9
“5 But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right,6 And hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, neither hath defiled his neighbour’s wife, neither hath come near to a menstruous woman,7 And hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment;8 He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man,9 Hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord GOD.”
Romans 8:4-6
“4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”
Related Themes: Lust Holiness Indulgence Holy Spirit
Matthew 5:6
“6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”
Related Themes: Justice Holy Spirit Hunger Food Holiness
Romans 1:17
“17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”
Related Themes: Faith Omnipotence
Genesis 15:6
“6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”
Related Themes: Faith
1 Peter 2:24
“24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”
1 Peter 3:12
“12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.”
Related Themes: Unanswered Prayer Repentance Prayer
Proverbs 21:3
“3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.”
Related Themes: Justice Sacrifice Integrity Pleasing God
1 Corinthians 1:30
“30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:”
Related Themes: Holiness Wisdom Glorification Redemption
Philippians 1:11
“11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.”
Romans 3:10
“10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:”
Related Themes: All Sins Being Equal Vindictiveness Glorification Resentment
Isaiah 64:6
“6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.”
Related Themes: Morality Glorification Sin Morals Repentance
2 Timothy 3:16
“16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
Related Themes: Criticism Education Business Education Learning
James 3:18
“18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.”
Related Themes: Peace Reaping What You Sow Reaping Division
Proverbs 12:28
“28 In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.”
James 1:4
“4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
Related Themes: Patience Perseverance Lust Endurance Perfection
