THE 4 CARDINAL VIRTUES

 

These four cardinal virtues have been derived from various sources and are no doubt found in many different forms and terms within the Old Testament of the Bible. Socrates (469-399 BC) mentions them in various forms, too. But it was Plato (427-347 BC) who first enumerated the system from which the four cardinal virtues would spring. And it was – most notably – St. Ambrose, St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas who would further refer, support, and expound upon them within Christianity, helping to make them cornerstones of Western Philosophy.

 

These should be important to us because, as the Catechism says, “They make possible ease, self-mastery, and joy in leading a morally good life.”

 

Click on any Scripture / Catechism of the Catholic Church links below to explore more information.

 

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PRUDENCE          ►CCC #1806

 

Prudence is the virtue that disposes practical reason to discern our true good in every circumstance and to choose the right means of achieving it; "the prudent man looks where he is going."65 "Keep sane and sober for your prayers."66 Prudence is "right reason in action," writes St. Thomas Aquinas, following Aristotle.67 It is not to be confused with timidity or fear, nor with duplicity or dissimulation. It is called auriga virtutum (the charioteer of the virtues); it guides the other virtues by setting rule and measure. It is prudence that immediately guides the judgment of conscience. The prudent man determines and directs his conduct in accordance with this judgment. With the help of this virtue we apply moral principles to particular cases without error and overcome doubts about the good to achieve and the evil to avoid. 

 

Holy Scripture references:

Wisdom 7:7 (ref 1 Kings 3:5-15; Proverbs 2:3-11).

 

Wisdom 8:6,7, 18, 21 (ref Proverbs 8:14-15, 1 Kings 3:9; 1 Kings 5:9; Proverbs 2:6; James 1:5).

 

 

JUSTICE          ►CCC #1807

 

Justice is the moral virtue that consists in the constant and firm will to give their due to God and neighbor. Justice toward God is called the "virtue of religion." Justice toward men disposes one to respect the rights of each and to establish in human relationships the harmony that promotes equity with regard to persons and to the common good. The just man, often mentioned in the Sacred Scriptures, is distinguished by habitual right thinking and the uprightness of his conduct toward his neighbor. "You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor."68 "Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven."69

 

Holy Scripture references:

Wisdom 8:7 (ref Proverbs 8:14-15).

 

Psalms 72:2 (ref Proverbs 31:8-9).

 

Hosea 10:4, 12 (ref Amos 6:12).

 

Leviticus 19:15 (ref Exodus 23:2-3; Deuteronomy 1:17; Deuteronomy16:19;Psalms 82:2; Proverbs 24:23).

 

Colossians 4:1 (ref none).

 

 

FORTITUDE          ►CCC #1808

 

Fortitude is the moral virtue that ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of the good. It strengthens the resolve to resist temptations and to overcome obstacles in the moral life. The virtue of fortitude enables one to conquer fear, even fear of death, and to face trials and persecutions. It disposes one even to renounce and sacrifice his life in defense of a just cause. "The Lord is my strength and my song."70 "In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."71

 

Holy Scripture references:

Wisdom 8:7 (ref Proverbs 8:14-15).

 

 

TEMPERANCE          ►CCC #1809

 

Temperance is the moral virtue that moderates the attraction of pleasures and provides balance in the use of created goods. It ensures the will's mastery over instincts and keeps desires within the limits of what is honorable. The temperate person directs the sensitive appetites toward what is good and maintains a healthy discretion: "Do not follow your inclination and strength, walking according to the desires of your heart."72 Temperance is often praised in the Old Testament: "Do not follow your base desires, but restrain your appetites."73 In the New Testament it is called "moderation" or "sobriety." We ought "to live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world."74

 

To live well is nothing other than to love God with all one's heart, with all one's soul and with all one's efforts; from this it comes about that love is kept whole and uncorrupted (through temperance). No misfortune can disturb it (and this is fortitude). It obeys only [God] (and this is justice), and is careful in discerning things, so as not to be surprised by deceit or trickery (and this is prudence).75

 

Holy Scripture reference:

Wisdom 8:7 (ref Proverbs 8:14-15).