The Seven Virtues

The seven virtues were originally defined in the poem, Psychomachia, by Aurelius Clemens Prudentius, a Christian governor who died around 410 A.D. Because of the poem’s prevalence the concept and idea of the seven virtues spread throughout Europe. The following is a listing of the seven virtues and how they cure each of the seven deadly sins:

1. Kindness = cures envy by placing the desire to help others above the need to supersede them.

• Temperance = cures gluttony by implanting the desire to be healthy, therefore making one fit to serve others.

• Charity or love = cures greed by putting the desire to help others above storing up treasure for one’s self.

• Chastity or self-control = cures lust by controlling passion and leveraging that energy for the good of others.

• Humility = cures pride by removing one’s ego and boastfulness, therefore allowing the attitude of service.

• Diligence or Zeal = cures slothfulness by placing the best interest of others above the life of ease and relaxation.

• Patience = cures wrath by taking time to understand the needs and desires of others before acting or speaking.