Righteousness Defined by God�s Law

Psalm 119:172
My tongue shall speak of Your word, for all Your commandments are righteousness.

This verse is important because it defines �righteousness.� Some think of

righteousness as a vague idea of being right or good. But God�s definition of
righteousness is very specific. What is right and good is defined by His law.

Simply put: Righteousness equals God�s law.

It should be no surprise that the opposite of righteousness is sin, which is the

breaking of God�s law (1 John 3:4). God�s character is righteousness and that
character is defined by His law. Sin is unrighteousness (1 John 5:17) because it
transgresses His law.

God�s righteousness is based on the principle of love. Jesus Christ defined the
spiritual intent of God�s law in one overarching principle�love. This great
principle has two central elements: love toward God and love toward fellow man
(Luke 10:27). Love, then, is the central characteristic of God (1 John 4:8) and is
defined through His law. Therefore, in order for a person to grow in love and be
more like God, he or she must keep the law of God (2 John 1:6).

The apostle Paul expanded on the greatness of God�s law by describing it as �holy
and just and good� and �spiritual� (Romans 7:12, 14). Understanding the depth of
God�s righteousness as revealed through His law is a lifetime pursuit.

Another passage to study that shows the greatness of God�s law is Psalm 19:7-11.