A virtue is a trait or quality considered to be morally good and valued as a foundation for ethical behavior and personal excellence.  It is also a disposition that is considered beneficial and praiseworthy in a person.  The goal is often the cultivation and refinement of these traits to live a purposeful, excellent, and fulfilling life.  The opposite of a virtue is a vice.  The concept of virtues has been central to philosophy and religion for centuries, with different traditions emphasizing various sets of qualities.

​​​

Here are the key qualities and virtues one must strive for, persist with and keep.

​

Common Examples of Virtues

​Many other qualities are commonly recognized as virtues, including:  

• Honesty

• Kindness

• Patience

• Loyalty

• Humility

• Diligence

• Integrity 

• Respect

​

🕊️ Theological Virtues​

Source:  (The Source) Are infused by God's grace.  They cannot be acquired by human effort alone.

These represent the core of spiritual life. In traditional iconography, they are often depicted as three sisters.

​

Faith: 

• The Cross.  It represents belief and steadfastness in the divine.

Hope: 

• The Anchor.  This stems from the idea of the soul being anchored in a "safe and steadfast" promise (often used in early maritime and Christian art).

Charity (Love): 

• The Heart or a Flame. It signifies the warmth of selfless love and the "burning" desire to do good for others.

​

Object:  Relate directly to God. (e.g., Faith is in God; Hope is for God's promises; Love is of God.)

​​

​

🏛️ Cardinal Virtues​

Source:  (The Foundation/Hinge) Plato and later thinkers identified the four following Cardinal Virtues:  Can be acquired and practiced through natural human effort and good habit (reason and discipline).  These are the "hinge" virtues (from the Latin cardo, meaning hinge) that form the basis of a moral life.

​

Prudence: 

• The Mirror and Snake.  The mirror represents self-reflection and seeing the world as it is; the snake represents wisdom ("wise as serpents").

Justice: 

• The Scales and Sword.  The scales represent balance and fairness, while the sword represents the power of the law.

Fortitude:

• The Lion or a Broken Column.  These represent inner strength, courage, and the ability to remain standing under pressure.

Temperance: 

• Two Water Pitchers.  Usually depicted as one vessel pouring liquid into another to "water down" wine, symbolizing moderation and self-control.

Object:  Relate to right living and moral conduct in relation to other people and worldly matters.

​​​

​

🎓 Philosophical Virtues​

Source:  (The Reason) While these overlap with the others (especially the Cardinal virtues, which come from Plato), classical philosophy—particularly Stoicism—often focuses on these pillars:

​

Wisdom (Sophia): 

• The Owl.  Historically associated with Athena, it represents the ability to see through the darkness and grasp the truth.

Courage (Andreia): 

• The Shield.  Unlike the "strength" of fortitude, this specifically represents the protection of one's principles and the community.

Righteousness (Dikaiosyne): 

• The Plumb Line.  In a philosophical sense, this represents being "upright" and aligning one's life with the natural order.

Moderation (Sophrosyne): 

• The Bridle.  It represents the "reining in" of the passions and the ego to maintain a balanced mind.

Ancient Greek philosophy, notably Aristotle, emphasized virtues as the "golden mean" between two extremes (vices):

​

​Courage:  The mean between cowardice (deficiency) and foolhardiness (excess).

Temperance:  The mean between insensibility (deficiency) and intemperance/gluttony (excess).

Generosity:  The mean between miserliness (deficiency) and profligacy (excess).

​​​

​

Virtues Bible Passages

​​​​

🕊️ Theological Virtues Passages​

The most prominent place they are listed together in the Bible is the Apostle Paul's famous chapter on love:​​  1 Corinthians 13:13 ​​"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.  But the greatest of these is love."  

​​​

Here are other key verses that define or emphasize each of the three Theological virtues:​

​​​

1.  Faith

Belief in God and trust in His promises, even when the evidence is unseen.

• Icon:  ✝️ (The Cross)

• Concept:  The Mind's Light:  The virtue by which we believe in God and believe all that He has said and revealed.  It is the foundation of the spiritual life.

​

Hebrews 11:1: 

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." (The classic definition of faith.)

Romans 1:17: 

"For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written:  'The righteous will live by faith.'"

James 2:17: 

"In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." (Emphasizes that true faith produces good works.)​​​

​

2.  Hope

The confident expectation and desire for the Kingdom of Heaven and eternal life, based on God's promises.

• Icon:  ⚓ (The Anchor)

• Concept:  The Soul's Anchor:  The virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven as our happiness, placing our trust in promises rather than our own strength.

​

Romans 5:3–5: 

"...we also glory in our sufferings, because suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character;  and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."

​

Hebrews 6:19: 

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure."​​

​

3.  Love/Charity

​Loving God above all things for His own sake, and loving one's neighbor as oneself for the love of God (often referred to as agape love).

• Icon:  ❤️ (The Heart)

• Concept:  The Heart's Flame:  The "greatest of these."  It is the virtue by which we love God above all things for His own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves.

​

1 Corinthians 13:4–8: 

(The description of Agape Love)  "Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails."

​​

Matthew 22:37–39:

(The Great Commandment)  "Jesus replied:  'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’   This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it:  ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’"

​​

These three virtues are considered Theological because they relate directly to God as their source and object, and are believed to be infused into the soul by the grace of God.

​​

​​

🏛️ Cardinal/Sacred Virtues Passages

​​

Since the Cardinal Virtues (Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance) originate in Greek philosophy (Plato/Aristotle), they are not explicitly listed together as a group in the NIV Bible.  However, the concepts behind these virtues are central to both Old and New Testament teachings.  The Bible frequently praises these qualities, often using synonyms like "wisdom," "righteousness," "strength," and "self-control."

​​

Here are key verses that reflect each of the four Cardinal Virtues:

​

1.  Prudence (Wisdom)

The ability to discern the appropriate course of action in a given situation; practical wisdom.​

• Icon:  👁️ (The All-Seeing Eye or Mirror)

• Concept:  Practical Wisdom:  Seeing the truth and choosing the right path in the moment.

​​

Proverbs 16:22: 

"Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent, but folly brings punishment to fools."

​

Proverbs 14:15: 

"The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps."  (Prudence involves cautious, well-considered action.)

​

James 1:5: 

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."  (This connects the philosophical idea of wisdom/prudence with a divine source.)

​

2.  Justice

Giving to God and to neighbor what is due to them; fairness, especially toward the vulnerable.​

• Icon:  ⚖️ (The Scales)

• Concept:  Fairness:  Giving to God and neighbor what is rightfully due to them.

​

Micah 6:8: 

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.  And what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."  (The fundamental summary of God's requirement for moral life.)

​

Isaiah 1:17: 

"Learn to do right; seek justice.  Defend the oppressed.  Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow."  (Defines justice as active defense of the marginalized.)

​

Leviticus 19:15: 

"'Do not pervert justice by favoring the poor or showing favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.'" (Emphasizes impartiality and fairness.)

3.  Fortitude (Courage/Steadfastness)

Firmness in difficulties, constancy in the pursuit of the good, and the strength to overcome fear.​

• Icon:  🛡️ (The Shield or Lion)

• Concept:  Inner Strength:  Staying firm in your duty despite fear or obstacles.

​

Deuteronomy 31:6: 

"Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."  (An explicit command to demonstrate fortitude.)

​

Philippians 4:13: 

"I can do all this through him who gives me strength."  (A key verse on finding spiritual strength/fortitude.)

1 Corinthians 16:13:  "Be on your guard;  stand firm in the faith; be courageous;  be strong."  (A New Testament call to spiritual fortitude.)

4.  Temperance (Self-Control)

Moderation, restraint, and the proper ordering of desires and passions.​

• Icon:  🏺 (The Water Pitcher)

• Concept:  Self-Restraint:  Balancing our physical desires and impulses.

Galatians  5:22–23: 

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control [Temperance].  Against such things there is no law." (The inclusion of "self-control" as a fruit of the Spirit gives this natural virtue a supernatural context.)

​

Titus 2:12: 

"It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age."

​

Proverbs 25:28: 

"Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control."  (A vivid warning against the vice opposite temperance.)​​​

​​

​

🎓 Philosophical Virtues Passages

​

1.  Wisdom, The Pursuit of Wisdom

In Greek philosophy, Sophia isn't just "knowing facts"; it is the ability to understand the underlying nature of reality.

• Icon:  🦉 (The Owl)

• Concept:  Thinking clearly to live rightly.

​

​Proverbs 4:7

"The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding."

​

Proverbs 14:8

"The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception."

​

Ecclesiastes 7:12

"Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it."

2.  Courage, The Strength of Character

In the philosophical sense, Andreia isn't just about the absence of fear; it is the "golden mean" between cowardice and recklessness. It is the steady resolve to do the right thing even when it is difficult or dangerous.

• Icon:  ⚔️ (The Sword / Shield)

• Concept:  Choosing the right action despite the presence of fear.

1 Corinthians 16:13

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."

​

Joshua 1:9

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

​

Proverbs 28:1

"The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion."

​

​3.  Rigteousness, "Upright" in Character

Living in accordance with truth, and the internal alignment of one's life.

In Greek philosophy, Dikaiosyne (Righteousness/Justice) is the "Master Virtue."  It is the state where every part of the soul—reason, spirit, and desire—is in its proper place.  It is about being "measured" and "straight" rather than crooked.

• Icon: 📏 (The Plumb Line / Square)

• Concept:  Living in harmony with the natural and moral law.

Matthew 6:33

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

​

Proverbs 21:3

"To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice."

​

Proverbs 10:9

"Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out."

​

4. Moderation, The Balanced Life

In Greek philosophy, Sophrosyne is the virtue of "sound-mindedness." It is the ability to stay calm and balanced, ensuring that your passions do not override your reason.  It is often symbolized by a Bridle, which keeps a powerful horse under control.

• Icon: 🏇 (The Bridle / Reins)

• Concept:  Excellence through self-mastery and balance.

​​

Philippians 4:5

"Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near."

(Note: The Greek term for "gentleness" here implies a reasonable, moderate, and fair-minded nature.)

​

Proverbs 25:28

"Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control."

Titus 2:12

"It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age."

​