Neither Idle nor UnfruitfulSample

Virtue - Meaning of the word

The Greek word is 'αρετή (aretē) which means "goodness, good quality, righteousness". "Properly denotes whatever procures preeminent estimation for a person or thing; hence, ‘intrinsic eminence, moral goodness, virtue’." (Vine). The definition in English is: "General moral excellence; right action and thinking; goodness or morality." (Webster). For Plato there were four cardinal virtues: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. In the Bible, virtue is not a merit of man but a gift of God. Matthew Henry comments: "By virtue here we may understand strength and courage, without which the believer cannot stand up for good works, by abounding and excelling in them. The righteous must be bold as a lion (Proverbs 28:1); a cowardly Christian, who is afraid to profess the doctrines or practice the duties of the gospel, must expect that Christ will be ashamed of him another day."

Virtue - Part of God’s nature

The word is used to describe God before being applied to believers (2 Peter 1:3 KJV). Since God wants us to become "partakers of the divine nature" (v.4 KJV), virtue must also become a characteristic of the believer’s life. God desires that our lives become more and more like His own (Matthew 5:48). Virtue can be observed: both as individuals and as a church, it is necessary for us to share the virtues (goodness) of God through our lives and words (1 Peter 2:9,10). The fact that we are no longer in darkness and that we are now a people demonstrates the virtues and excellence of God's plans and their implementation.

Virtue - A quality to be sought and demonstrated

Among the things that must be the subject of our thoughts are those "if there be any virtue" (Philippians 4:8,9 KJV). This criterion should be utilized to pay attention to what we read, watch, and hear, even in areas that aren't strictly Christian. Matthew 5:13-16 calls us to be the salt of the earth and light of the world with a distinct quality of life. The quality of our personal life and collective behavior must be a visible testimony to the world (Philippians 2:12-16). The same applies to our civic actions (1 Peter 2:11-17) and in the workplace (Titus 2:9,10). The phrase translated "adorn the doctrine" (Titus 2:10 KJV) literally means "put in order, ornament". Our lives should depict Christian doctrine like the setting of a fine jewel, which emphasizes the quality of the gem.

Biblical examples of virtue

Barnabas - the good man

This apostle was called Joseph, but everyone knew him as Barnabas: "son of consolation or exhortation". His generosity was a model that was followed by many (Acts 4:36,37). Acts 11:22-23 shows him rejoicing in God's grace, not in his personal accomplishments. He is described as "good", which is the outward manifestation of faith and the fullness of the Holy Spirit (Acts 11:24). He was noble (Acts 14:11,12), a mediator (Acts 9:27), and understood others' weaknesses (Acts 15:36-41; 2 Timothy 4:11).

Gideon - the brave man

Gideon was brave because the Lord was with him (Judges 6:12-16). Gideon was given the nickname of Jerubbaal because he destroyed the altar of Baal, risking the wrath of his countrymen (Judges 6:32). Having assembled an army of thirty-two thousand, he dared to follow the Lord and send home all but three hundred chosen by the Lord (Judges 7:1-8). He showed courage by going down into the camp of Midian and then surrounding the camp with his three hundred men (Judges 7:9-11,19-21).

Job - the upright man

Job took care of his family (Job 1:5). His behavior displayed righteousness (Job 1:8; 2:3) and he spoke the truth about God (Job 42:7). He prayed for the friends who had insulted him (Job 42:10) and persevered in his faith in God (James 5:10,11).

Daniel - the faithful man

Daniel was faithful to his God (Daniel 1:8,9) and faithful to his King (Daniel 6:1-5).