Godliness vs. Righteousness — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 24, 2024
Godliness embodies holiness and devotion to God, while righteousness focuses on upright, ethical behavior according to moral principles.
Difference Between Godliness and Righteousness
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Godliness refers to a devoutly religious life or manner, emphasizing piety and a close relationship with the divine. Whereas righteousness pertains to acting in morally correct and just ways according to societal or divine standards, often encompassing fairness and ethical behavior.
While godliness is inherently linked to one's relationship and devotion to a deity or deities, emphasizing spiritual disciplines and practices, righteousness, on the other hand, can be secular or religious in nature, focusing on actions and behaviors that are considered morally upright.
Godliness often includes aspects of righteousness, as living a life in accordance with divine will typically involves moral and ethical behavior. Conversely, one can be righteous in a secular sense, adhering to societal laws and ethical standards without necessarily being motivated by religious devotion.
In many religious texts, godliness is seen as the broader concept that encompasses not only righteous living but also a personal and communal relationship with God, including worship, prayer, and other spiritual practices. While righteousness is crucial within the context of godliness, it is often viewed as the outward expression of one's faith and devotion.
The pursuit of godliness usually involves a transformation of one's inner life and a deep commitment to spiritual growth and understanding. On the other hand, righteousness often refers to the external actions and decisions that align with moral and ethical principles, whether those principles are rooted in religious belief or secular humanism.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Devotion and piety towards a deity, embodying holiness
Adherence to moral and ethical principles, acting justly
Nature
Inherently spiritual or religious
Can be secular or religious
Focus
Relationship with the divine, spiritual practices
Moral and ethical behavior, fairness
Context
Often involves personal and communal worship
Applies to actions in societal and personal contexts
Relationship to Faith
Central to many religious beliefs and practices
Can be an expression of faith but not exclusively
Compare with Definitions
Godliness
Emphasis on spiritual discipline and virtues.
Godliness in their community was nurtured through regular communal worship.
Righteousness
Adherence to ethical principles.
His commitment to righteousness prevented him from lying.
Godliness
The quality of being devoutly religious.
Her godliness was evident in her daily acts of kindness and prayer.
Righteousness
Acting in a morally right or just manner.
She was known for her righteousness in dealing with others.
Godliness
The pursuit of a closer relationship with the divine.
They devoted their lives to achieving godliness.
Righteousness
Fairness in judgment and actions.
The judge's righteousness was respected by all who knew her.
Godliness
Reflecting divine qualities in personal behavior.
Godliness was his guiding principle in all interactions.
Righteousness
Can imply legal or divine law adherence.
They strove for righteousness in all their business dealings.
Godliness
Living in a manner that is pleasing to God.
He sought godliness through meditation and scripture study.
Righteousness
Often associated with moral uprightness.
Righteousness guided his decisions, even when they were difficult.
Godliness
Having great reverence for God; pious.
Righteousness
Righteousness is the quality or state of being morally correct and justifiable. It can be considered synonymous with "rightness" or being "upright".
Godliness
Divine.
Righteousness
The quality of being morally right or justifiable
We had little doubt about the righteousness of our cause
Conviction of his own moral righteousness gave his oratory an irresistible power
Godliness
The condition and quality of being godly, pious, scrupulously observant of all the teachings of one's religion, practicing virtue and avoiding sin.
Righteousness
Morally upright; without guilt or sin
A righteous parishioner.
Godliness
Careful observance of, or conformity to, the laws of God; the state or quality of being godly; piety.
Godliness is profitable unto all things.
Righteousness
In accordance with virtue or morality
A righteous judgment.
Godliness
Piety by virtue of being a godly person
Righteousness
Righteous people considered as a group.
Righteousness
(uncountable) The quality or state of being righteous.
Righteousness
Holiness; conformity of life to the divine law.
Righteousness
(countable) A righteous act, or righteous quality.
Righteousness
The act or conduct of one who is righteous.
Righteousness
(theology) The state of being right with God; justification; the work of Christ, which is the ground justification.
Righteousness
The quality or state of being righteous; holiness; purity; uprightness; rectitude.
Righteousness
A righteous act, or righteous quality.
All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.
Righteousness
The act or conduct of one who is righteous.
Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.
Righteousness
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.
Only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone.
Righteousness
Adhering to moral principles
Common Curiosities
What is godliness?
Godliness is the quality of being devoutly religious or pious, often involving a close relationship with and devotion to God.
How do godliness and righteousness relate to each other?
Godliness encompasses righteousness as part of a devout life; righteousness can be seen as the moral actions stemming from one’s faith or ethical beliefs.
Can atheists or non-religious people be righteous?
Yes, atheists and non-religious people can practice righteousness by adhering to secular moral and ethical principles.
Can godliness change a person's character?
Yes, pursuing godliness often involves inner transformation and can significantly impact a person’s character and actions.
Why is righteousness important in legal systems?
Righteousness is important in legal systems to ensure fairness, justice, and adherence to ethical standards in the administration of law.
What does righteousness mean?
Righteousness refers to the quality of being morally right or just, adhering to ethical principles and fairness.
Can a person be righteous but not godly?
Yes, a person can be righteous, adhering to moral and ethical principles, without necessarily being godly or religious.
What role does righteousness play in society?
Righteousness plays a crucial role in maintaining moral standards and fairness in society, guiding ethical behavior and decisions.
Can one be considered godly without participating in organized religion?
While challenging, some believe personal devotion and living in accordance with spiritual principles can embody godliness outside traditional religious structures.
Is godliness the same as being religious?
Godliness involves a deeper, personal devotion and relationship with God, going beyond merely following religious rituals.
Is righteousness only a Christian concept?
No, righteousness is a concept found in many religious and secular moral systems, emphasizing just and ethical behavior.
Does godliness affect community life?
Yes, godliness can profoundly influence community life by fostering a culture of kindness, compassion, and mutual support.
Does godliness require religious faith?
Generally, yes, as godliness is deeply connected with a personal relationship and devotion to a deity or deities.
How can one practice godliness?
Practicing godliness typically involves spiritual disciplines like prayer, meditation, worship, and living in accordance with divine will.
How do different religions view righteousness?
Different religions have unique perspectives on righteousness, often relating it to moral conduct, justice, and adherence to religious laws or principles.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
