A lot of this perception is out of our control; thus we need to have this consistent set of
guidelines to keep us on the path of righteousness*.

I am declared righteous by God in the presence of God because I have accepted the finished work of Jesus Christ.

Righteousness is an eternal "state of being" granted by God to those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior - it is eternal, irreversible and declares to the universe that the individual is in right relationship with God - done deal.