Living a Virtuous Life

Virtue is defined as “behavior showing high moral standards” or “traits of excellence including traits that are moral, social, or intellectual.” The ancient Greeks described four cardinal virtues that include prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude. These were originally outlined by Plato in his book The Republic but then expounded by Aristotle in the Nicomachean Ethics. In the Apocryphal book Wisdom of Solomon there is a quote describing wisdom as a woman, stating, “She teaches moderation and prudence, righteousness, and fortitude, and nothing in life is more useful than these.” Early church fathers referred to these four cardinal virtues in their writings and added three theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity (love). Later in history, these seven virtues were sometimes compared/opposed to the seven deadly sins or vices found in Roman Catholic theology.

So why am I giving you a brief overview on the history of virtue? Interestingly, the Proverbs 31 woman is also called the Virtuous Woman. I would like to dive deeper into each of the above listed virtues to see what each of these characteristics are and how the woman described in Proverbs 31 fulfills each trait.

Prudence is defined as “the ability to discern the appropriate course of action to be taken in a given situation at the appropriate time, with consideration of potential consequences.” This has also been interpreted as wisdom at times. There are multiple verses that point to this ability to discern in Proverbs 31. She considers a field and buys it. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. She opens her mouth with wisdom. This woman clearly has the ability to understand potential consequences and how to handle situations. In the same way, we should be thoughtfully thinking through our decisions and considering the most appropriate actions to take in situations.

Justice is the “quality of being fair or reasonable.” The Greek word can also have the meaning of “righteousness.” The Proverbs 31 woman opens her hands to the poor. The teaching of kindness is on her tongue. With all the work she does in trade, she must be considered fair and reasonable. Are these traits we are known for as well? Do we hear others out and listen to both sides of a story? Are we open to discussions even if we disagree and can maintain kindness even when annoyed or frustrated?

The third cardinal virtue, fortitude, is defined as “courage in pain or adversity.” This virtue would be similar to endurance or steadfastness. The virtuous wife is described as dressing herself with strength and making her arms strong – a sign of hard work which would require fortitude. Her clothing is strength and dignity, and the passage states that she laughs at the future. She is confident and assured in her relationship with God and her preparation. Do we show endurance in hard times? Do we work hard and remain steadfast in that work? Do we dress ourselves in these traits or just in the latest trends?

Temperance, the final cardinal virtue, is known as restraint or self-control. It is the ability to control our appetites of all kinds. The woman who fears the Lord has a husband that trusts her. Think of all the things she maintains in this household so that her husband is able to sit at the gates with the elders of the land because his wife has things under control. She wakes early and goes to bed late. Her children and husband praise her. This is a woman who appears to have learned moderation in her life. Have we learned this same virtue? Are we able to control our fleshly appetites in order to maintain a smooth-running household?

Now we come to the theological virtues that we are all familiar with of faith, hope, and love. This exact list is given in 1 Corinthians 13:13 where Paul states, “now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” Can you spot where this Proverbs 31 woman fulfills these virtues as well?

In chapter 31:30, it is clear this woman understands that charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, and so she understands she needs to fear the Lord. She puts her faith in the Lord rather than in these worldly characteristics. Peter and Paul give similar advice in the New Testament about where we should put our trust and faith. In 1 Peter 3:3-4, we are told:

“Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.”

Then Paul states in 1 Timothy 2:9-10:

“Likewise, also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.”

Are we more concerned with how fashionable we look rather than how our heart looks? How much time do you spend on your outward appearance versus your inner person?

These same passages could demonstrate to some extent this virtuous woman’s hope as well, but I believe the verse about laughing at the time to come shows her true hope (31:25). She is not only prepared herself, but she is resting in the One who is her refuge. What is our hope in? Is it in worldly treasure where moths can destroy, and thieves can steal? Or do we have an anchor that is steadfast and sure, fastened to our Lord and Savior?

Finally – the greatest of these virtues – love. This entire passage at the end of Proverbs 31 demonstrates an amazing level of agape love from this woman. She works tirelessly to not only provide for her family, but also to help the poor and needy. This selfless love is not easy, but this woman has clearly built a practice of habits to enable her ability to develop this virtue in particular.

The Greeks had a term called areté which can be translated to “excellence” or “the full realization of potential.” This Greek word is used in four different passages in the New Testament including in Phil. 4:8 and 2 Peter 1:3-5. Paul tells us to dwell on anything with “excellence,” and Peter tells us to add “excellence” to our faith. In some translations, the word is “virtue.” Essentially – we need to come to the full realization of our potential – which is exactly what the passage in Proverbs 31 describes. A godly woman who has reached the full realization of her potential. If you were to walk into my bathroom, you would see an array of products to help me look “presentable.” Writing this lesson made me wonder what a walk through my heart would look like? Would I see virtues there, or instead vices? What habits do I have there that define my inward person? I pray that we are all working to build the habits and skills needed to reach our full potential and develop the virtuous life outlined for us in Proverbs 31.