cardinal virtues: ccc

Re: Virtues, Human; Cardinal
Fr: Catechism of the Catholic Church (1994) # 1804-1811

“Human virtues are firm attitudes, stable dispositions, habitual perfections of intellect and will that govern our actions, order our passions and guide our conduct according to reason and faith” (# 1804).

“And if anyone loves righteousness, her labors are virtues; for she teaches
 self-control [temperance] and
 prudence,
 justice and
 courage [fortitude];
nothing in life is more profitable for mortals than these.”
- Wisdom 8:7 (New Revised Standard Version – Catholic Edition, 1993) (# 1805)

These virtues are called “cardinal” because all the other virtues are grouped around them (# 1805).

1. 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…. “ It is “‘right reason in action’” (St. Thomas Aquinas, following Aristotle, Summa Theologiae) (# 1806). Being prudent means being “careful in discerning things, so as not to be surprised by deceit or trickery” (St. Augustine, De moribus eccl.) (# 1809). Prudence is called the charioteer of the virtues (auriga virtutum) because it guides the other virtues by setting rule and measure (# 1806).

 “The prudent man looks where he is going” (Proverbs 14:15) (# 1806).

2. JUSTICE = “is the moral virtue that consists in the constant and firm will to give their due to God and neighbor” (# 1807). Justice enables one to obey only God (St. Augustine, De moribus eccl.) (# 1809). It involves respect for human rights, the establishment of harmonious interpersonal relationships, the promotion of equity, and the pursuit of the common good (# 1807).

 “You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor.” (Leviticus 19:15) (# 1807)
 “Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven” (Colossians 4:1) (# 1807).

3. 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 (# 1808). It keeps one from being disturbed in times of misfortune (St. Augustine, De moribus eccl.) (# 1809). [It] 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 (# 1808).

 “The Lord is my strength and my song.” (Psalm 118:14) (#1808)
 “In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) (# 1808)

4. 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.” Temperance keeps love whole and uncorrupted (St. Augustine, De moribus eccl.) (# 1809).

 “Do not follow your inclination and strength, walking according to the desires of your heart.” (Sirach 5:2; cf. 37:27-31) (# 1809)
 “Do not follow your base desires, but restrain your appetites.” (Sirach 18:30) (# 1809)
 “… live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world.” (Titus 2:12)