Human righteousness, as understood within the biblical context, refers to the moral and ethical conduct that aligns with God's laws and commands. It is the pursuit of living a life that reflects the character and holiness of God. The Bible presents human righteousness as both a divine expectation and a response to God's grace.

In the Old Testament, righteousness is often associated with adherence to the Law. For instance, Deuteronomy 6:25 states, "And if we are careful to observe every one of these commandments before the LORD our God, as He has commanded us, then that will be our righteousness." Here, righteousness is depicted as the result of obedience to God's commandments.

The Psalms and Proverbs frequently highlight the characteristics of a righteous person. Psalm 1:6 declares, "For the LORD guards the path of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish." Proverbs 21:21 adds, "He who pursues righteousness and loving devotion finds life, righteousness, and honor." These passages emphasize that righteousness is not only about following rules but also about embodying virtues such as justice, mercy, and faithfulness.

In the New Testament, the concept of righteousness is deepened through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus emphasizes the internal aspect of righteousness, focusing on the heart's intentions rather than mere external compliance. In Matthew 5:20 , Jesus states, "For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." This indicates that true righteousness surpasses legalistic observance and involves a transformation of the heart.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on righteousness in his epistles, particularly in relation to faith. Romans 3:22 explains, "And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe." Paul teaches that human righteousness is ultimately insufficient for salvation and that true righteousness is imputed to believers through faith in Christ. This righteousness is a gift from God, not earned by human effort, as stated in Ephesians 2:8-9 : "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast."

Divine Indifference

The concept of divine indifference is not explicitly outlined in Scripture, but it can be explored through the lens of God's sovereignty and the mystery of His will. Divine indifference may refer to the perception that God is unconcerned or detached from human affairs, a notion that is often challenged by the biblical narrative.

Scripture affirms God's active involvement in creation and His intimate knowledge of human life. Psalm 139:1-4 declares, "O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down; You are aware of all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, O LORD." These verses highlight God's omniscience and personal engagement with individuals.

However, there are moments in the Bible where God's actions or inactions might be perceived as indifferent. The Book of Job presents a profound exploration of this theme. Job, a righteous man, suffers immense loss and questions God's justice and concern. Job 23:8-9 expresses his struggle: "If I go east, He is not there, and if I go west, I cannot find Him. When He is at work in the north, I cannot behold Him; when He turns south, I cannot see Him." Despite Job's perception of divine absence, the narrative ultimately reveals God's sovereign purposes and His deep care for Job.

The New Testament also addresses the tension between divine sovereignty and human perception. In Romans 8:28 , Paul assures believers, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." This verse underscores the belief that God's overarching plan is for the ultimate good, even when His ways are inscrutable.

While the Bible does not support the idea of divine indifference, it acknowledges the mystery of God's ways and encourages trust in His wisdom and love. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts."