A virtue is a trait or quality considered to be morally good and valued as a foundation for ethical behavior and personal excellence.

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The concept of virtues has been central to philosophy and religion for centuries, with different traditions emphasizing various sets of qualities.

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Theological Virtues

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

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

 

Cardinal Virtues

Source: Can be acquired and practiced through natural human effort and good habit (reason and discipline).

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

Here are some key concepts and examples:

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Core idea, a virtue is a positive moral quality or 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.

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🏛️ Philosophical Virtues

 

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).

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Plato and later thinkers identified the four Cardinal Virtues:

Prudence (or Wisdom)

Justice

Temperance

Fortitude (or Courage)

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Common Examples of Virtues

​Many other qualities are commonly recognized as virtues, including:  Honesty, Kindness, Patience, Humility, Diligence, Integrity, Respect

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Cardinal Sacred/Theological Virtues

​Faith, Hope, and Love (or Charity) The most prominent place they are listed together in the New International Version is in 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 virtues:​

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1. Faith

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

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.)​

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2. Hope

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​Definition: The confident expectation and desire for the Kingdom of Heaven

and eternal life, based on God's promises.

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

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Definition: 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).

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."

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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.’"

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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.

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Cardinal Virtues

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)

 

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

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

 

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

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)

 

Core Concept: Firmness in difficulties, constancy in the pursuit of the good, and the strength to overcome fear.

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)

 

Core Concept:  Moderation, restraint, and the proper ordering of desires and passions.

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.)

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