Don’t Blame Me

(Proverbs 13:6 KJV)  Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.

What does it mean to be “upright” (blameless NASB) (8537)?  The Hebrew is a part of a family of words that talk about being complete or finished.  Translations include “perfect” and “integrity.”  It sounds a lot like the Greek word “teleos”.  Let’s look at the nuance presented by the translation here.

In our modern culture we can have certain people who are thought to be blameless even when they are not necessarily upright.  An infant running outside in the buff is considered cute; an adult, naked.  One is indulged, the other is arrested.  In some cases, but not all, if you are not aware of a law you are excused.  Thus you can see that even though we are not perfect and in this life will never be, we can be blameless and righteous. 

So?  Walk upright before the Lord.  There is a reward.  It makes a difference.