Virtue?

[Van]

According to classical thinking, there are seven virtues, four "cardinal" and three theological. In this usage, cardinal refers to pivotal, like a person facing north turning to the right and facing east, then pivoting again and facing south, and then to the west. Thus as far as human society is concerned, these four virtues cover the topic. However, religion, at least Christian religion, adds three more. The cardinal virtues are found commonly in humanity, but the additional three are found in born anew Christians.

Since these views arose a long time ago, they are often expressed in arcane and archaic verbiage. I will try to express them using a more modern vernacular.

Simply put, a virtue is something suitable for a purpose, just as a screwdriver is "good" for turning a screw. Virtues are good for society to operate cohesively. The individual parts (people) work well together, rather than tearing society apart.

Enough preamble, what are the virtues?

You might find different words to identify the four "cardinal" virtues, but let us start with these:

Prudence = Common sense - making appropriate choices.
Justice = Treating others with Equality - the Golden Rule.
Temperance = Self Control - avoiding deleterious behavior.
Fortitude = Firmness in the face of Adversity - doing what seems right rather than expedient.​

To these four "cardinal" virtues, scriptures adds these three:

Faith = Trusting in God's Promises
Hope = Expecting God's Promises
Love = Living According to God's Promises, the Greatest Virtue of All.​

​

 

[Van]

An important book for studying the biblical concept of virtue is 2 Peter.

We get an exact match with some of the labels used in the prior post, including (1) love, (2) Self-Control and, (3) Faith. What we called "Fortitude" Peter calls "Perseverance."

 

[Van]

Prudence, making appropriate choices, and more excellence, making godly choices are certainly similar. What Perter refers to a "knowledge" reveals living according to the expectation of God's fulfillment of His promises. Thus Peter's knowledge includes Hope. See Romans 8:25

And Justice, treating others with equality, certainly reflects godliness, behaving according to God's character.

 

[Van]

Consider our two main Political Parties, those that Cheer and those that Sit.
Which Party is for Murder, Mutilation and Lawlessness?

Which Party is for Common Sense, Closed Borders, and Habitual Criminal removal from our society?

Simply put, a virtue is something suitable for a purpose, just as a screwdriver is "good" for turning a screw. Virtues are good for society to operate cohesively. The individual parts (people) work well together, rather than tearing society apart.

 

[37818]

Philippians 4:8, Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

1 Peter 2:9, But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth | the virtues | of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: . . . .

2 Peter 1:3, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: . . . .

2 Peter 1:5, And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; . . . .