The Virtues
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Simplified
Always Strong to the Good (1803)
Paul asks the Philippians to see "all that is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely and gracious (Phil 4:8). Virtue is a firm and habitual disposition, by which a person strives firmly and regularly toward the good with all of his powers. "The goal of a virtuous life is to become like God" (St. Gregory of Nyssa).
The Human Moral Virtues (1804)
Human virtues are firm, stable attitudes and dispositions which order the passions and guide conduct. They bring about self-mastery and joy. The moral virtues are acquired by human effort and dispose the person to God's love.
The Four Cardinal Virtues (1805-1809)
Scripture says that wisdom "teaches temperance and prudence, justice and fortitude" (Wis 8:7). These are the four cardinal virtues (meaning "hinge") around which the other virtues are grouped.
Prudence disposes man's practical reason to see what is good and to choose the right means. Prudence is "right reason in action" (St. Thomas Aquinas) guiding the person's judgment. By prudence, the person correctly applies moral teachings to individual cases without error and removes all doubts about good and evil.
Justice leads the person to give all that is due to God (the virtue of religion) and to others. Justice respects people's rights and establishes harmony. Scripture praises the conduct of the "Just Man." "You shall not be partial to the poor, nor defer to the rich" (Lev 19:15).
Fortitude makes the person firm in face of difficulties and constant in pursuing good. It helps man to resist temptations, to overcome obstacles, to face fear, and even to suffer persecution. "In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (Jn 16:33).
Temperance moderates the powerful attraction of pleasures, guarantees the will's control over instincts, keeps desires honorable, and directs the passions to good. "Do not follow your base desires but restrain your appetites" (Sir 18:30). Believers should "live sober, upright and godly lives" (Titus 2:12). "Love is kept uncorrupted by temperance, undisturbed by fortitude, obedient to God by justice and discerning by prudence" (St. Augustine).
The Virtues Need Grace (1810-1811)
Divine grace elevates those human virtues which have been formed by repeated deliberate acts.
Because man is wounded by sin, he cannot easily maintain a moral balance. Through the sacraments and the help of the Holy Spirit, Christ offers the grace needed to persevere.
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