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Righteousness vs Ethical - What's the difference?

righteousness | ethical |

As nouns the difference between righteousness and ethical

is that 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 while ethical is an ethical drug.

As an adjective ethical is

of or relating to the study of ethics.

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

    ethical

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • (philosophy, not comparable) Of or relating to the study of ethics.
  • The philosopher Kant is particularly known for his ethical writings.
  • (not comparable) Of or relating to the accepted principles of right and wrong, especially those of some organization or profession.
  • All employees must familiarize themselves with our ethical guidelines.
  • (comparable) Morally approvable, when referring to an action that affects others; good.
  • We are trying to decide what the most ethical course of action would be.
  • (of a drug, not comparable) Only dispensed on the prescription of a physician.
  • In most jurisdictions, morphine is classified as an ethical drug.

    Usage notes

    * In general usage ethical'' is used to describe standards of behavior between individuals, while ''moral'' or ''immoral can describe any behavior. You can call lying unethical or immoral, for example, because it involves the behavior of one person and how it affects another, but violating dietary prohibitions in a holy text can only be described as immoral.

    Derived terms

    * ethical investment * ethical system * meta-ethical * (morally approvable) unethical

    See also

    * ethical dative

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • An ethical drug.
  • Anagrams

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