The seven deadly sins are a well-known concept in Christian theology, representing the vices that lead to moral corruption and spiritual death. But what is the opposite of the seven deadly sins? How can we cultivate the virtues that counteract these sinful tendencies and bring us closer to God?
In this article, we will explore the concept of the seven virtues, which are often divided into two categories: the cardinal virtues and the theological virtues. We will also look at the seven capital virtues, which are the specific opposites of the seven deadly sins. Finally, we will offer some practical tips on how to practice these virtues in our daily lives.
The Cardinal Virtues: Prudence, Justice, Temperance, and Fortitude
The term “cardinal virtues” comes from the Latin word “cardo”, meaning “hinge”. These are the four virtues that support and guide all other moral virtues. They are also called the “human virtues”, because they can be acquired and practiced by anyone through reason and habit.
The cardinal virtues are:
- Prudence: the ability to discern the right course of action in any situation, based on wisdom and experience. Prudence helps us to avoid rash decisions, foolish risks, and harmful consequences.
- Justice: the constant and firm will to give everyone their due, according to the law of God and the law of nature. Justice helps us to respect the rights and dignity of others, and to promote the common good of society.
- Temperance: the moderation of our desires and passions, especially those related to the pleasures of the senses. Temperance helps us to control our impulses, and to use the goods of the world in a balanced and reasonable way.
- Fortitude: the courage to face difficulties and dangers, and to overcome obstacles and temptations. Fortitude helps us to endure hardships, to persevere in our goals, and to stand up for what is right.
The cardinal virtues were first identified by the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, and later adopted by the Christian tradition. They are also found in the Jewish Book of Wisdom, which states that wisdom “teaches moderation and prudence, righteousness and fortitude, and nothing in life is more useful than these.”
The Theological Virtues: Faith, Hope, and Charity
The theological virtues are those that relate directly to God, and that are infused in our souls by His grace. They are also called the “divine virtues”, because they enable us to participate in the divine nature and to share in the eternal life of God.
The theological virtues are:
- Faith: the belief in the truths revealed by God, and the trust in His promises. Faith helps us to accept and understand the mysteries of God, and to live according to His will.
- Hope: the confident expectation of the fulfillment of God’s plan for us, and the attainment of the heavenly glory. Hope helps us to look forward to the future with joy, and to overcome the trials and tribulations of this world.
- Charity: the love of God above all things, and the love of our neighbor as ourselves. Charity helps us to love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, and to love others as God loves them.
The theological virtues were named by the apostle Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians, where he wrote: “And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.” The third virtue is also commonly referred to as “charity”, as this is how the influential King James Bible translated the Greek word “agape”.
The Capital Virtues: The Opposites of the Seven Deadly Sins
The capital virtues (also known as the contrary or remedial virtues) are those that stand in opposition to the seven capital vices (or deadly sins). They are called “capital” because they are the sources or roots of other virtues.
The capital virtues are:
- Chastity: the purity of body and mind, and the respect for the sacredness of human sexuality. Chastity helps us to overcome lust, which is the disordered desire for sexual pleasure.
- Temperance: the same as the cardinal virtue of temperance, but applied specifically to the vice of gluttony, which is the excessive indulgence in food and drink.
- Charity: the same as the theological virtue of charity, but applied specifically to the vice of greed, which is the insatiable craving for wealth and possessions.
- Diligence: the zeal and effort in fulfilling our duties and responsibilities, and in pursuing our goals. Diligence helps us to overcome sloth, which is the laziness and negligence in doing good.
- Patience: the calm and peaceful endurance of suffering, adversity, and provocation. Patience helps us to overcome wrath, which is the violent and irrational anger towards others or oneself.
- Kindness: the benevolence and compassion towards others, and the willingness to do good and to forgive. Kindness helps us to overcome envy, which is the resentment and sadness at the good fortune of others.
- Humility: the recognition of our own limitations and weaknesses, and the dependence on God and others. Humility helps us to overcome pride, which is the excessive and distorted sense of self-worth and superiority.
The capital virtues were first allegorically represented by the 5th-century poet Prudentius, who depicted a battle between female personifications of virtues and vices, with each virtue confronting and defeating a particular vice. However, Prudentius did not use the traditional list of capital vices, nor did he base his allegory on the cardinal and theological virtues. The combatants in his poem Psychomachia are as follows:
| Virtue | Latin | Sin | Latin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chastity | Pudicitia | Lust | Sodomita Libido |
| Faith | Fides | Idolatry | Veterum Cultura Deorum |
| Good Works | Operatio | Greed | Avaritia |
| Concord | Concordia | Discord | Discordia |
| Sobriety | Sobrietas | Indulgence | Luxuria |
| Patience | Patientia | Wrath | Ira |
| Hope | Spes | Despair | Tristitia |
The traditional list of capital vices and virtues was later developed by various Christian authors and theologians, such as Gregory the Great, Thomas Aquinas, Dante Alighieri, and John Cassian.
How to Practice the Seven Virtues
The seven virtues are not only abstract concepts, but practical guides for living a moral and happy life. Here are some tips on how to practice them in our daily lives:
- Prudence: Before making any decision, ask yourself: What are the possible consequences of this action? Is it in accordance with reason and morality? What would God want me to do? Seek advice from wise and trustworthy people, and learn from your mistakes.
- Justice: Treat everyone with fairness and respect, regardless of their status, race, gender, or religion. Uphold the rights and dignity of others, and defend them when they are violated. Be honest and truthful in your words and deeds, and fulfill your promises and obligations. Give to the poor and the needy, and support the causes of justice and peace.
- Temperance: Avoid excess and waste in your consumption of food, drink, and other goods. Be content with what you have, and do not covet what others have. Practice self-control and discipline in your thoughts, words, and actions. Resist the temptations of the flesh, and keep your body and mind pure.
- Fortitude: Face your fears and challenges with courage and confidence. Do not give up on your goals and dreams, even when they seem difficult or impossible. Stand up for what is right, even when it is unpopular or risky. Be loyal and faithful to God and to your loved ones, and do not compromise your principles or values.
- Faith: Believe in God and in His revelation, and trust in His promises. Study and meditate on the Scriptures and the teachings of the Church, and seek to understand and apply them in your life. Pray regularly and sincerely, and listen to God’s voice in your heart. Worship God and honor Him with your actions.
- Hope: Look forward to the future with joy and optimism, and do not let the troubles and sorrows of this world discourage you. Remember that God has a plan for you, and that He will never abandon you or forsake you. Hope for the best, and prepare for the worst. Be ready to accept God’s will, whatever it may be, and to cooperate with His grace.
- Charity: Love God above all things, and love your neighbor as yourself. Show your love for God by obeying His commandments, and by serving Him in your neighbor. Show your love for your neighbor by being kind, compassionate, generous, and forgiving. Express your love through words and deeds, and through prayer and sacrifice.
The seven virtues are the keys to living a moral and happy life, and to attaining the ultimate goal of human existence: the eternal union with God. By practicing these virtues, we can overcome the seven deadly sins, and grow in holiness and grace. As the apostle Peter wrote: “For this very reason, you must make every effort to support your faith with goodness, and goodness with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with endurance, and endurance with godliness, and godliness with mutual affection, and mutual affection with love. For if these things are yours and are increasing among you, they keep you from being ineffective and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord
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