Ohr zarua la’tzaddik u’le’yishrei lev simchah. Light is sown for the righteous, and for the upright of heart, gladness.
The Netziv, zl, explains that the distinction of our Avos, Patriarchs, and Imahos, Matriarchs, was their exemplification of the middah, Attribute, of yashrus, uprightness. As per his explanation that yashrus refers to one’s bein adam la’chaveiro, interaction with his fellowman, the Avos and Imahos personified the ability to get along with all types – even pagans. Indeed, was it not Avraham Avinu who demonstrated his overriding concern for others when he prayed for the evil Sodomites, a people whose behavior was reprehensible and cruel? Yet, Avraham prayed for their welfare. One who is a yashar can get along with anyone, even if his positive feelings towards them are not reciprocated.
While this is all good and well and Avraham Avinu should be lauded, why do his actions on behalf of the Sodomites bespeak yashrus? If anything, I would suggest that he was a tzaddik for “looking away.” Perhaps, the yashar appellation is not about action, but rather, about vision. A yashar sees straight, looking through ambiguity and evil, his vision piercing through the failings and deficiencies of people, to see that, at the end of the day, they are all Hashem's creations. If they sin – He will deal with them. It is not up to man to judge – but to advocate.
