righteousness

Noun

US[rahy-chuh-snuhs]/ˈraɪtʃəsnəs/3 syllables

Open English WordNet

Noun (1)

adhering to moral principlesOpposite unrighteousnessType of moralityKinds justice, honor, honesty, uprightness, piety, honorableness, impeccability

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Webster's Dictionary (1913)

Right′eous·ness noun

Origin: AS. rihtwīsnes.

1. The quality or state of being righteous; holiness; purity; uprightness; rectitude.

☞ Righteousness, as used in Scripture and theology, in which it chiefly occurs, is nearly equivalent to holiness, comprehending holy principles and affections of heart, and conformity of life to the divine law.

2. A righteous act, or righteous quality.

All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.— Isa. lxiv. 6.

3. The act or conduct of one who is righteous.

Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.— Ps. cvi. 3.

4. Theology The state of being right with God; justification; the work of Christ, which is the ground of justification.

There are two kinds of Christian righteousness: the one without us, which we have by imputation; the other in us, which consisteth of faith, hope, and charity, and other Christian virtues.— Richard Hooker

Only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone.— Westminster Shorter Catechism

Synonyms: Uprightness; holiness; godliness; equity; justice; rightfulness; integrity; honesty; faithfulness.

Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54

The Devil's Dictionary

RIGHTEOUSNESS, n. A sturdy virtue that was once found among the Pantidoodles inhabiting the lower part of the peninsula of Oque. Some feeble attempts were made by returned missionaries to introduce it into several European countries, but it appears to have been imperfectly expounded. An example of this faulty exposition is found in the only extant sermon of the pious Bishop Rowley, a characteristic passage from which is here given:

"Now righteousness consisteth not merely in a holy state of mind, nor yet in performance of religious rites and obedience to the letter of the law. It is not enough that one be pious and just: one must see to it that others also are in the same state; and to this end compulsion is a proper means. Forasmuch as my injustice may work ill to another, so by his injustice may evil be wrought upon still another, the which it is as manifestly my duty to estop as to forestall mine own tort. Wherefore if I would be righteous I am bound to restrain my neighbor, by force if needful, in all those injurious enterprises from which, through a better disposition and by the help of Heaven, I do myself restrain."