The seven cardinal virtues are a set of virtues that originate from classical antiquity and have been influential in Catholicism. The seven cardinal virtues are: prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance, faith, hope, and charity. These virtues provide a moral framework to help guide Christians to live a good and righteous life. Let’s explore each of these cardinal virtues in more depth:
Prudence
Prudence is the ability to discern the appropriate course of action and exercise good judgment. It allows us to recognize what is morally right in a given situation and choose the best means to achieve it. Prudence enables us to make decisions according to God’s will, applying wisdom and discretion. The Bible encourages prudence, stating “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out” (Proverbs 10:9 ESV). Through prudence, we can thoughtfully consider our actions and their consequences before God.
Justice
Justice is the virtue that inclines us to give what is due to God and our neighbor. We manifest justice by fulfilling our obligations fairly and impartially. The Bible calls us to “do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8 ESV). Justice ensures we respect the rights and dignity of others, while promoting equity and righteousness in human relations and society. We uphold justice by being truthful, abiding by the law, and treating others as we would want to be treated.
Fortitude
Fortitude is the moral virtue that strengthens our resolve to do good in the face of obstacles. It gives us courage to overcome fear and to endure trials. Fortitude allows us to confront challenges, withstand temptations, and overcome persecution without compromising our faith or virtues. As 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV) states, “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” With fortitude, we can bravely proclaim and live out the Gospel even when met with adversity. It helps us have confidence in God’s providence and victory despite hardships.
Temperance
Temperance moderates our attraction to pleasure, providing balance and self-control. It restrains us from excess, keeping our desires aligned with what is virtuous. Temperance applies primarily to food, drink, and sexual intimacy. As 1 Corinthians 9:27 (ESV) warns, we must “discipline [our] body and keep it under control.” This virtue combats gluttony and lust, enabling us to live soberly and in freedom from the slavery of our passions. Temperance promotes modesty and propriety in how we conduct ourselves.
Faith
Faith is the theological virtue that opens our hearts to God’s revelation and grace. Through faith, we place our trust in God and believe His word is true. Hebrews 11:1 (ESV) defines faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Faith enables our relationship with God, leading us to obey His will. As Jesus declares in John 14:1 (ESV), “Believe in God; believe also in me.” Faith strengthens our certitude in God’s promises, even amidst darkness and difficulty. It is the foundation of our salvation.
Hope
Hope is the theological virtue by which we trust God will grant us eternal life and peace. It fixes our desire on the kingdom of heaven and the fulfillment of our ultimate purpose. As Romans 8:24-25 (ESV) states, “in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope.” By hoping in Christ, we can persevere through hardships, buoyed by the expectation of sharing in His glory. Hope reminds us this world is passing away and moves us to store up treasures in heaven. It empowers patience and perseverance.
Charity
Charity is the greatest of the virtues. It moves us to love God above all things and our neighbor as ourselves. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (ESV) beautifully describes charity: “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” As children of God, we are called to reflect His perfect charity. By loving others, we fulfill the Gospel and draw closer to Christ.
In summary, the seven cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance, faith, hope, and charity provide a framework for Christian moral living. They complement and reinforce each other to help us in our pursuit of holiness. These virtues orient our conduct towards God and promote human flourishing. By praying for their increase within us and exhibiting them through our actions, we can grow in righteousness and fulfillment of God’s will. The cardinal virtues enable us to live out Jesus’ two greatest commandments: to love God and neighbor (Matthew 22:36-40 ESV). Practicing these virtues brings blessings on ourselves and those around us.
The seven cardinal virtues have provided guidance to Christians for centuries on how to live a moral and upstanding life. Though originally formulated in antiquity, these virtues remain relevant today in helping us apply biblical principles. They steer us away from sin and vice towards the perfection of charity. While none of us can perfectly live out these virtues, we can continually strive to grow in them. By integrating the cardinal virtues into our spiritual life, we open ourselves more fully to God’s grace. We also gain the strength and wisdom to make prudent decisions that give glory to Christ our King.
The first of the cardinal virtues is prudence. Prudence is the ability to discern our true good in every circumstance and to choose the right means of achieving it. As the book of Proverbs states, “The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it” (Proverbs 27:12 ESV). Prudence enables us to identify the morally upright option among alternatives. We exercise prudence by carefully judging situations, examining our conscience, and seeking counsel from the spiritually mature.
Prudence also entails docility, allowing us to learn from others and our past mistakes. Through prudence, we can make decisions according to God’s will, applying wisdom to our lives. This virtue guards us against imprudence resulting from acting hastily or due to pressure from others. We grow in prudence by frequently reflecting on scripture, praying for discernment, and being slow to anger.
Justice is the second cardinal virtue, inclining us to fulfill our duties to God, others, and ourselves. The prophet Micah summarizes our obligation to justice: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8 ESV). Justice ensures we give all their due – whether that be obeying authorities, paying employees fair wages, or simply being truthful in our words.
We ought to defend human dignity, uphold righteous laws, and protect the poor and vulnerable. God calls us to “seek justice” (Isaiah 1:17 ESV) through confronting injustice and making restitution for past wrongs. Practicing justice may require boldly speaking truth with love, regardless of opposition. By living justly, we manifest God’s desire for right relationships between all people.
Fortitude gives us the courage and resilience to do what is good despite trials and misfortunes. Also termed courage or strength, fortitude allows us to overcome fear and face adversity without compromising our convictions. As Paul writes in 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV), “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” Fortitude strengthens us to endure persecution, resist temptations, and confront our weaknesses.
With fortitude, we can persevere through illness, poverty, or danger because of our trust in God’s sovereignty. Even when met with criticism or hostility in evangelizing, we refrain from aggression and remain grounded in hope. We develop fortitude by consistently acting from conscience rather than emotions or external pressures. Fortitude ultimately frees us to live out our faith with boldness.
The fourth cardinal virtue is temperance, which provides self-control and voluntary moderation. Temperance applies primarily to natural appetites for pleasure, including eating, drinking, and sexuality. This virtue combats tendencies towards excess and self-indulgence. As Paul writes in Galatians 5:23 (ESV), “self-control” is a fruit of the Holy Spirit whom we are called to walk by. Temperance enables us to have mastery over our desires, so they submit to God’s will.
We exhibit temperance by acting calmly rather than hastily, especially when angry or tempted. Temperance guides our natural appetites to their proper purposes for our well-being and God’s glory. We should avoid extremism in abstaining from pleasures, instead using moderation and prudence. By practicing temperance, we gain freedom from destructive impulses and live in sobriety.
Faith is the first of the three theological virtues infused by God. Faith opens our hearts and minds to accept God’s revelation and grace. Hebrews 11:1 (ESV) defines faith: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Through faith, we believe in God’s word, entrust ourselves to Christ, and rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance. It gives us conviction of divine truth that transcends human reason or sensory evidence.
Living faithfully means obeying God even when circumstances seem bleak. As Jesus declares in John 14:1 (ESV), “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” Faith grants us assurance of God’s faithful promises and enables relationship with Him. We increase in faith through prayer, contemplating scripture, and believing in Christ’s salvation. Faith is the foundation for following God’s will in our lives.
Hope is the theological virtue by which we yearn for eternal life with God, relying on His help. Hope sustains our trust in Christ’s redemption and enables patience through trials. Paul writes that “hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Romans 5:5 ESV). By hoping in Christ, we gain divine perspective that this world is passing away.
This virtue motivates us to purify ourselves and store up treasures in heaven. Hope propels us onward when we feel weary or distressed by our circumstances. Clinging to hope allows us to endure hardships and delight in God’s promises. As Romans 8:25 (ESV) affirms, “if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” By hoping in Christ, we await His return and the resurrection of our bodies.
Charity is identified as the greatest virtue which binds all others together. Also translated love, charity moves us to value God and neighbor. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (ESV) poetically conveys charity’s attributes: “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful.” Charity wishes the greatest good for others and sacrifices self-interest for their benefit.
We exhibit charity by extending mercy, bearing wrongs patiently, and rejoicing in goodness. This virtue seeks communion with God by obeying His commandments. As 1 John 4:16 (ESV) declares, “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love.” The Holy Spirit instills charity in believers’ hearts to reflect God’s perfect love. By walking in charity, we participate in Christ’s mission of redemption.
In summary, the seven cardinal virtues provide a framework for moral uprightness that leads to human flourishing. Prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance, faith, hope, and charity enable our pursuit of holiness. These virtues mutually support each other in orienting our conduct towards God’s will. Though challenging to perfectly live out, we can grow in virtue by cooperating with God’s grace. The more these virtues take root in our hearts, the more we reflect Christ’s love.
Cultivating the virtues requires regular prayer, scripture study, and examination of conscience. We must also practice spiritual and corporal works of mercy through serving others. By relying on the Holy Spirit and surrounding ourselves with wise believers, we reinforce virtuous habits. While the process of sanctification is lifelong, its rewards are eternally glorious. Therefore let us “put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12 ESV).