Righteousness is a central theme in the Bible. It refers to living in accordance with God’s laws and commands. Here are some key Bible verses about righteousness from the English Standard Version (ESV):
Old Testament Verses on Righteousness
“He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend” (Psalm 15:2-3). This psalm describes the righteous person as one who is blameless in actions and words.
“The Lord is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works” (Psalm 145:17). God Himself is perfectly righteous.
“The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him!” (Proverbs 20:7). The righteous set a good example for their children.
“Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and righteous.” (Psalm 112:4). Righteousness brings light and blessing.
“Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it completely.” (Proverbs 28:5). To be righteous is to pursue justice.
“To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” (Proverbs 21:3). Righteousness pleases God more than religious ritual.
“The righteous hates falsehood, but the wicked brings shame and disgrace.” (Proverbs 13:5). Righteous people hate lies and deception.
“Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless, but sin overthrows the wicked.” (Proverbs 13:6). Righteous living protects us from harm.
“The righteousness of the blameless keeps his way straight, but the wicked falls by his own wickedness.” (Proverbs 11:5). The righteous stay on the right path in life.
“The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath.” (Proverbs 11:23). Righteousness leads to blessing and goodness.
New Testament Verses on Righteousness
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (Matthew 5:6). Those who sincerely seek righteousness will find it.
“Strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33). Seeking God’s righteousness should be our top priority in life.
“For our sake [God] made [Christ] to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Through faith in Christ, we receive his righteousness.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Bible trains us to live righteously.
“Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous.” (1 John 3:7). True righteousness will be evident in how we live.
“And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.” (Isaiah 32:17). Righteousness leads to peace, quietness, and trust.
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23). The Holy Spirit produces righteousness within us.
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21). Fight against unrighteousness with righteous acts.
“He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” (Titus 3:5). Our righteousness comes from Christ alone.
“But you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.” (1 Timothy 6:11). We must pursue righteous virtues.
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” (Titus 2:11-12). God’s grace trains us in righteousness.
“The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” (1 Timothy 1:5). Righteousness springs from love and purity.
“Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.” (Proverbs 21:21). Seek righteousness and you will be blessed.
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8). God requires us to live justly and kindly.
Righteousness Comes Through Faith in Christ
The Bible makes it clear that true righteousness ultimately comes as a gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ. Though we should diligently pursue righteous living, our works can never make us perfectly righteous before God. Our righteousness comes through believing in Christ as our Savior and receiving the gift of his perfect righteousness (Philippians 3:9). The righteous life flows out of our new identity and position in Christ.
Some key verses about righteousness through faith include:
“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)
“But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.” (Romans 3:21-22)
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
“More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith.” (Philippians 3:8-9)
How to Live Righteously According to the Bible
Though we can never achieve perfect righteousness on our own, Scripture calls followers of Christ to actively pursue righteous living through the power of the Holy Spirit. Here are some principles for living righteously:
- Study God’s word to understand His standards of righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
- Repent from sin and turn to Christ in faith (Acts 3:19)
- Walk in the Spirit and yield to His leading each day (Galatians 5:16-25)
- Pursue godly virtues like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)
- Practice justice, mercy, and humility (Micah 6:8)
- Do righteous deeds to help others in need (James 2:14-17)
- Set your mind on heavenly things rather than earthly desires (Colossians 3:1-2)
- Associate with wise companions who can encourage you to live righteously (Proverbs 13:20)
- Keep yourself unstained by the world (James 1:27)
Though we will stumble at times, the Holy Spirit empowers us to get back up and pursue righteousness. Our lives should be marked by repentance and steady growth in godly character as we walk with the Lord day by day.
Blessings of Righteousness
The Bible connects righteous living with many blessings and benefits. Though we don’t pursue righteousness to get something from God, obedience naturally leads to positive fruit in our lives. Some blessings of righteousness include:
- Close relationship with God (Psalm 15:1-2)
- Joy and peace (Romans 14:17)
- Wisdom and guidance (Proverbs 2:7-8)
- A clear conscience (1 Timothy 1:5)
- A life of purpose and meaning (Jeremiah 29:11)
- Help and protection from God (Psalm 5:12)
- Eternal life (James 1:12)
- Rewards in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21)
- Leaving a righteous legacy for others (Proverbs 20:7)
Righteousness brings security, freedom, hope, and satisfaction in life. Even when righteous people face earthly trials, they can trust in God’s sovereignty and rely on His spiritual blessings.
Righteousness Exalts a Nation
Righteousness is not just a private matter – it impacts entire societies. The Bible frequently warns about the dangers of moral compromise and corruption for nations. Some relevant verses include:
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34)
“When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.” (Proverbs 29:2)
“By justice a king builds up the land, but he who exacts gifts tears it down.” (Proverbs 29:4)
“When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.” (Proverbs 28:12)
Scripture urges us to pray for leaders to enact laws and policies that promote righteousness in society (1 Timothy 2:1-3). The righteousness or wickedness of a nation impacts human flourishing. God blesses nations where justice and righteousness prevail.
The Righteous Will Shine in Eternity
While righteousness leads to blessing in this life, its rewards continue on for eternity. The book of Daniel promises that those who are wise and live righteously will experience everlasting life and glory:
“And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” (Daniel 12:3)
The Psalms also describe how the righteous will continue flourishing in God’s presence:
“But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble.” (Proverbs 4:18-19)
Ultimately, those who put their faith in Christ have the certain hope of righteousness in heaven. Believers can look forward to eternity free from sin, suffering, and corruption. There we will experience perfect fellowship with God and the fullness of righteousness.