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Goodness vs Righteousness - What's the difference?

goodness | righteousness |

In uncountable terms the difference between goodness and righteousness

is that goodness is the state or characteristic of being good while righteousness is 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.

In countable terms the difference between goodness and righteousness

is that goodness is the good, nutritional, healthy part or content of something while righteousness is a righteous act, or righteous quality.

goodness

English

(wikipedia goodness)

Noun

  • (uncountable) The state or characteristic of being good.
  • (countable) The good, nutritional, healthy part or content of something.
  • (uncountable, euphemistic) God.
    • Thank goodness that the war is over!
  • (Christianity) The moral qualities which constitute Christian excellence; moral virtue.
  • * 1611 , :
    • The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness , faith.

    Synonyms

    * virtue

    Derived terms

    * my goodness!

    External links

    * * *

    righteousness

    English

    Noun

  • (uncountable) 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.
  • *{{quote-book, year=1922, author=(Ben Travers)
    • , chapter=4, title= A Cuckoo in the Nest , passage=By some paradoxical evolution rancour and intolerance have been established in the vanguard of primitive Christianity. Mrs. Spoker, in common with many of the stricter disciples of righteousness , was as inclement in demeanour as she was cadaverous in aspect.}}
  • (countable) A righteous act, or righteous quality.
  • * (w) lxiv. 6.
    • All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.
  • The act or conduct of one who is righteous.
  • * (Psalms) cvi. 3.
    • Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth rightness at all times.
  • (theology) The state of being right with God; justification; the work of Christ, which is the ground justification.
  • * 1594-7 , (Richard Hooker), '', A Discourse, Section 21
    • 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.
  • * 1646-7 , (Westminster Shorter Catechism) , Q.33
    • Only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone.

    Synonyms

    * rectitude, uprightness, holiness, godliness, equity, justice, rightfulness, integrity, honesty, faithfulness