Walking uprightly…

He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly, He who despises the gain of oppressions, Who gestures with his hands, refusing bribes, Who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed, And shuts his eyes from seeing evil: He will dwell on high; His place of defense will be the fortress of rocks; Bread will be given him, His water will be sure. Isaiah 33:15‭-‬16 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/isa.33.15-16.NKJV

As I was reading, these two verses caused me to pause.

I highlighted them, so I could easily return to the passage.

These words are lining out the choices of a man who is living for God. (Can also be applied to women.)

It begins with: “He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly,”.

Psalm 15:1-2 NKJV — A Psalm of David. LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart;

Scripture is clear, walking in righteousness is following God.

Both Psalm 15 and Isaiah 33 tells that walking in righteousness includes words, those spoken and those thought.

“He who despises the gain of oppressions,” Isaiah 33:15b

“In whose eyes a vile person is despised,” Psalm 15:4

These sentences show us that the righteous doesn’t just ignore the wickedness around them, but despises the abuse of others.

“Who gestures with his hands, refusing bribes,” Isaiah 33:15b

“Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. ” Psalm 15:5b

Money doesn’t sway the righteous from doing what is correct, nor does the righteous use others to their own gain.

“He will dwell on high; His place of defense will be the fortress of rocks; Bread will be given him, His water will be sure. ” Isaiah 34:16

The righteous are secure in God.

“He who does these things shall never be moved.” Psalm 15:5c

God gives instruction for walking in righteousness.

He promises those who walk in God’s ways to be their safe place, their strong tower.

God wants us to understand what is best for us and His Word is applicable for a lifetime.

Lord , who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart; He who  does not backbite with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend; In whose eyes a vile person is despised, But he honors those who fear the Lord ; He who  swears to his own hurt and does not change; He who does not put out his money at usury, Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things  shall never be moved.
Psalms 15:1‭-‬5 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.15.1-5.NKJV

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your instruction. Thank You for giving us so much truth and the direction of how to follow You. Lord, You promise that if we shall trust You and obey, that nothing which comes in this life will compare with the joy of eternity with You in heaven. While we walk this Earth, please help us to apply Your Word to our daily living. Please help us to model ourselves after Your example. Thank You for Your patience. Thank You for Your love. May the whole Earth be filled with the knowledge of the glory of You. Amen.