29 eye-opening Bible verses about righteousness

The word “righteous” is written at least 558 times in the Bible, so we can see that it is an extremely important matter. Here we’ve gathered together just 29 Bible verses about righteousness, to give a bit of a glimpse into God’s thoughts about the topic.

Righteousness is something God wants from us

These Bible verses are proof that we should be actively pursuing righteousness in our lives!

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8.

“To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” Proverbs 21:3.

“Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:19-20.

 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16.

“Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer,
The Holy One of Israel:
‘I am the Lord your God,
Who teaches you to profit,
Who leads you by the way you should go. 
Oh, that you had heeded My commandments!
Then your peace would have been like a river,
And your righteousness like the waves of the sea.’”
Isaiah 48:17-18.

Righteousness is something we must practice

Bible verses showing that righteousness is an action that, by faith, should come forth in our day-to-day lives.

“If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.” 1 John 2:29.

“Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” 2 Timothy 2:22.

“‘Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.’ And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.” Revelation 19:7-8.

“And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.” Romans 6:13.

“And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.” Romans 6:18.

“In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.” 1 John 3:10.

“Then Peter opened his mouth and said: ‘In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.’” Acts 10:34-35.

“Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame. 1 Corinthians 15:34.

“Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.” Titus 2:12.

Righteousness is something that we can increase in

The more we practice righteousness and pursue it, the greater our righteousness will be, as these Bible verses show:

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” Matthew 5:6.

“But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.” Proverbs 4:18.

“Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?” Romans 6:16.

“Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness.” 2 Corinthians 9:10.

The results of righteousness

And these Bible verses show the tremendous outcome that we experience when we pursue righteousness. Benefits for now and eternity!

“Blessings are on the head of the righteous … The memory of the righteous is blessed … The mouth of the righteous is a well of life … But the righteous has an everlasting foundation.” Proverbs 10:6-7,11,25.

“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:31-33.

“Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” Matthew 13:43.

“The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.” Isaiah 32:17.

“And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” Matthew 25:46.

“You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions.” Hebrews 1:9.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8.

Other Bible verses about righteousness

Just a few more Bible verses to inspire us all to choose to pursue and practice righteousness daily!

“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.” Hebrews 1:8.

“And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith.” Philippians 3:9.

“For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Romans 14:17.

“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness.” Ephesians 6:14.