The Seven Virtues

In the process of sniffing around in internet land, to learn more about the Seven Deadly Sins, I came across a list of the Severn Virtues.  Interestingly, each corresponds inversely to each of the seven deadly sins.  The are:

Vice		Virtue
Lust		Chastity
Gluttony		Temperance
Greed		Charity
Sloth		Diligence
Wrath		Patience
Envy		Kindness
Pride		Humility

These were derived from the Psychomachia ("Contest of the Soul"), written by Aurelius Clemens Prudentius in about 410 AD.  Entailing the battle of good virtues and evil vices.  The tremendous popularity of this work in the Middle Ages helped to spread the concept of holy virtue throughout Europe.  Practicing these virtues is considered to protect one against temptation from the seven deadly sins, with each one having its counterpart.

Chastity

Abstaining from sexual conduct according to one's state in life; the practice of courtly love and romantic friendship. Cleanliness through cultivated good health and hygiene, and maintained by refraining from intoxicants.  To be honest with oneself, one's family, one's friends, and to all of humanity.  Embracing of moral wholesomeness and achieving purity of thought-through education and betterment.  The ability to refrain from being distracted and influenced by hostility, temptation or corruption.

Temperance

Restraint, temperance, justice. Constant mindfulness of others and one's surroundings; practicing self-control, abstention, moderation, and deferred gratification.  Prudence to judge between actions with regard to appropriate actions at a given time.  Proper moderation between self-interest, versus public-interest, and against the rights and needs of others.

Charity

Generosity, charity, self-sacrifice; the term should not be confused with the more restricted modern use of the word charity to mean benevolent giving.  In Christian theology, charity—or love -- is the greatest of the three theological virtues. 

Love, in the sense of an unlimited loving kindness towards all others, is held to be the ultimate perfection of the human spirit, because it is said to both glorify and reflect the nature of God.  Such love is self-sacrificial.  Confusion can arise from the multiple meanings of the English word "love".  This love is distinguished by its origin – being divinely infused into the soul – and by its residing in the will rather than emotions.

Diligence

A zealous and careful nature in one's actions and work; decisive work ethic, steadfastness in belief, fortitude, and the capability of not giving up.  Budgeting one's time; monitoring one's own activities to guard against laziness.  Upholding one's convictions at all times, especially when no one else is watching (also known as integrity). 

Patience

Forbearance and endurance through moderation.  Resolving conflicts and injustice peacefully, as opposed to resorting to violence.  Accepting the grace to forgive; to show mercy to sinners.  Creating a sense of peaceful stability and community rather than suffering, hostility, and antagonism.

Kindness
Charity, compassion and friendship for its own sake. Empathy and trust without prejudice or resentment.  Unselfish love and voluntary kindness without bias or spite.  Having positive outlooks and cheerful demeanor; to inspire kindness in others.

Humility
Modest behavior, selflessness, and the giving of respect.  Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less.  It is a spirit of self-examination; suspicion toward yourself and charity toward people you disagree with.  The courage of the heart necessary to undertake tasks which are difficult, tedious or unglamorous, and to graciously accept the sacrifices involved.   Reverence for those who have wisdom and those who selflessly teach in love.  Giving credit where credit is due; not unfairly glorifying one's own self.  Being faithful to promises, no matter how big or small they may be.  Refraining from despair and the ability to confront fear and uncertainty, or intimidation.


Yeah, reading through these, not a bad thing to strive for.....