The righteous are as bold as a lion- Proverbs 28:1

Righteousness is the Lord's to give.  When He gives, or endows us with righteousness, it is nothing like any thing on earth. Our own attempts of righteousness are "as filthy rags"- we are right-filthy.  It's as though He tips back the dark, dim glass and places a light in us that no darkness can absorb.  Light begets boldness, and increasing light begets more confidence in the Light-giver, until we are as a lion, unafraid.  He calls us righteous, saints, brethren, friends.