The assumption was that there was great wisdom in the maxims of philosophy that could could teach both understanding and how to understand. That understanding was to provide our own personal model of the world, that is a powerful tool, not of just to usefully organize our knowledge, but to even make predictions. Another assumption was that in many cases, the more basic maxims of philosophy actually corresponded to how we naturally think, including even at the level of neurons.


Another assumption was that there is something special about the maxims that have lasted and been respected for 2500 years. 

Is a sin disobedience to God or harming another?

This book came from trying to compare and summarize the philosophy I had accumulated by "crowd sourcing". That is I collected every bit of philosophy I could find from different times, authorities and traditions. In a sense, it is the lore, the knowledge and events that echo through history because they are too important to lose. Compare that to most of the "great" events in history. Few know of them, but wisdom has been retained.

I say Gentleness...

Courage is frequently cited as the strongest and most foundational virtue, acting as the necessary component to act on all other virtues. It is considered essential for facing discomfort and conducting oneself righteously. However, thinkers also debate that wisdom (guiding all other virtues), justice (ensuring right action), or humility (attracting divine grace) are the paramount virtue. 

Courage (Fortitude): Viewed by many, including Aristotle and C.S. Lewis, as the most vital, as it is the "mother" of all virtues and required to exercise them under pressure.

Wisdom (Prudence): Often considered the greatest because it guides the application of all other virtues, ensuring they are applied rightly, not just accidentally.

Humility: Regarded by some as the supreme virtue, acting as a "magnet" for divine grace and the basis upon which other virtues are built.

Love (Compassion): Viewed as the greatest virtue by many, as it encapsulates compassion, kindness, and empathy, according to discussions on platforms like Facebook.

Self-Discipline (Temperance): Considered essential for endurance and achieving any goal, with some arguing it is the ultimate virtue that determines destiny, as explored in discussions on Daily Stoic. 

Ultimately, the "strongest" virtue is subjective and often considered to be the one that supports the foundation of all others in a given context, such as patience or gratitude,.

Pride is generally considered the #1 worst sin and the "mother of all sins," as it was the original sin of Lucifer and is viewed as the "complete anti-God state of mind". It is the root of other vices, causing destruction, misery, and competition by placing self on the throne where only God belongs. 

Usage Examples and Characteristics of Pride
Narcissism/Self-Conceit: An excessive belief in one's own abilities.
Boasting/Arrogance: Seeking validation and bragging about achievements.
Not Listening: Ignoring others due to superiority.
Refusing Repentance: It is uniquely dangerous because it convinces the heart that it doesn't need God, thereby blocking repentance. 

Synonyms and Related Concepts of Pride
Hubris: The Ancient Greek term for extreme pride or overconfidence.
Vanity: Excessive pride in one's appearance or achievements.
Haughtiness: Arrogant disdain.
Vainglory: Excessive pride in oneself or one's achievements. 

Alternative Viewpoints
Theology: In Christian theology, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is often cited as the only unforgivable sin, interpreted as a final, unrepentant rejection of God's grace.
Other Views: Some consider envy to be the most destructive to the soul, while others, such as author Paul Bloom, suggest envy is the worst because it implies a desire to diminish others. 

While some scholars and theologians argue that all sins are equal in the eyes of God, pride is almost universally listed as the most demonic and foundational vice.  

Zoroastrianism is a proactive, ethical faith based on the motto "Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds" (Humata, Hukhta, Hvarshta). It emphasizes active righteousness (Asha), charity, industry, and environmental stewardship, urging followers to combat evil and actively shape the world for the better. Origin	c. mid-6th century BCE

Core Virtues and Ethical Principles
•	Asha (Truth/Righteousness): The central virtue governing cosmic and moral order.
•	Vohu Manah (Good Mind/Purpose): Cultivating positive intentions, peacefulness, and wisdom.
•	Spenta Armaiti (Holy Devotion/Humility): Promoting loving-kindness, humility, and serenity.
•	Khshathra Vairya (Benign Leadership/Power): Exercising just authority and industry.
•	Haurvatat & Ameretat (Perfection/Immortality): Pursuing wholeness, health, and awareness of the soul.
•	Charity and Generosity: Giving to others, specifically for alleviating suffering.
•	Industry and Toil: Placing high value on hard work, dignity of labour, and skill.
•	Moderation: Adhering to the "golden mean"—avoiding extremes of indulgence or deprivation.
•	Environmental Stewardship: Protecting the elements (water, fire, earth, air). 

The Seven Amesha Spentas (Holy Immortals)
These represent divine attributes to be cultivated: 
1.	Ahura Mazda: Wisdom.
2.	Vohu Manah: Good Mind.
3.	Asha Vahishta: Best Righteousness.
4.	Khshathra Vairya: Desirable Dominion/Power.
5.	Spenta Armaiti: Holy Devotion.
6.	Haurvatat: Wholeness.
7.	Ameretat: Immortality. 

Key Ethical Frameworks
•	Active Virtue: Encouraging individuals to fight against evil (Druj) and help others follow the path of righteousness.
•	The Threefold Path: Daily living focused on Humata (Good Thoughts), Hukhta (Good Words), and Havarashta (Good Deeds).
•	Purification: Maintaining physical and spiritual purity (ritual cleanliness). 

Zoroastrianism teaches that these virtues bring happiness and that individuals are accountable for their choices, directly contributing to the final triumph of good over evil.

[This looks washed...]
In Zoroastrianism, sin is defined as a conscious choice to align with evil (Druj) rather than righteousness (Asha), rather than an inherited nature. Sins consist of evil thoughts, words, and deeds that harm creation. Major sins include dishonesty (lying/falsehood), breaking promises (especially covenants), persecution/oppression, and mistreating animals or the environment. 

Key Concepts of Sin
•	Freedom of Choice: Humans are born pure and have free will to choose between good (Ahura Mazda) and evil (Angra Mainyu).
•	Active Destruction: Sins are actions that strengthen the adversary, Ahriman.
•	No Original Sin: Zoroastrianism rejects the concept of inherited sin.
•	Accountability: Individuals are responsible for their deeds, and salvation is based on good works outweighing bad ones. 

Categories and Types of Sins
Sins are often categorized in the Vendidad and other texts, frequently focusing on spiritual and physical purity: 

•	Major Ethical Sins: Lying, perjury, theft, oppression, slander, and murder.
•	Promise Breaking: The violation of contracts and oaths is considered a grave offense against the angel Mithra.
•	Purity Violations: Acts that violate the sanctity of elements (fire, water, earth) are serious, such as improper handling of dead matter or bodily fluids.
•	Mistreatment of Nature: Killing useful animals (e.g., water-dogs, dogs) or wasting food/water is sinful.
•	Neglect of Duties: Not wearing the sacred shirt and girdle (Sudre and Kusti), not saying grace (Vaj), or extreme laziness.
•	Unnatural Acts: Sexual behaviors that are not for procreation or that involve impurity (e.g., in some interpretations, homosexuality or adultery). 

Consequences
Sins bring spiritual pollution (Drudj) to the soul and physical world. If not repented or cleansed, they are weighed in the afterlife, potentially leading to punishment in hell. However, the religion emphasizes repenting to regain righteousness. 

Babylonian virtues focused on practical, worldly wisdom, social order, and devotion to the gods, aiming for prosperity and longevity. Key virtues included justice (state-overseen law), intelligence/wisdom (skill in management and science), piety (respect for gods), loyalty to authority, and hard work. 

Core Cultural Virtues:
•	Justice & Law: Emphasized through the Code of Hammurabi, focusing on fairness in trade, marriage, and social order.
•	Wisdom & Knowledge: Valued scholarship, astronomy, and literacy, specifically in scribal, advisory, and bureaucratic roles.
•	Piety & Religious Devotion: Maintaining a proper attitude towards gods, honoring religious obligations, and fearing the divine.
•	Practicality & Industry: Valued agriculture, hard work, and business acumen.
•	Strength & Appearance: Physical and intellectual fitness were deemed virtues for public service. 

Social and Personal Virtues:
•	Kindness & Mercy: Encouraged within social relations, such as being kind to servants.
•	Loyalty & Respect: Adhering to the authority of the state and rulers.
•	Caution & Moderation: Valued in military and daily life. 

Babylonian virtues were heavily tailored towards maintaining a "clean morality" to ensure worldly success—long life and happiness—rather than purely abstract or otherworldly rewards.

Jewish virtue, or middot (character traits), emphasizes actionable ethics aimed at repairing the world (Tikkun Olam), loving-kindness (Chesed), justice (Tzedakah), and truth. Core virtues include humility, gratitude, compassion, honesty, and maintaining peace (Shalom), with a strong focus on balancing personal spiritual growth with social responsibility.

Key virtues in Jewish tradition include:

Justice and Righteousness (Tzedakah/Mishpat): Pursuing justice is considered a partnership with God. Tzedakah goes beyond charity; it is a duty to provide justice to those in need.

Loving-Kindness (Chesed): Compassion, hospitality, and acts of loving-kindness are central to ethical living.

Humility (Anavah): Often considered one of the highest virtues, as it allows one to learn and connect with others.Truth (Emet): Integrity in speech and action is paramount, including avoiding slander (Lashon Harah).

Repairing the World (Tikkun Olam): A core duty to take responsibility for making the world a better, more just place.

Holiness in Daily Actions: Developing good character traits and ethical behavior in mundane tasks.

Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) often serves as a guide for these moral virtues, emphasizing that "the world endures because of three things: justice, truth and peace"

In Judaism, sin (primarily chet) is defined as "missing the mark"—a straying from the path of Torah commandments, rather than a permanent state of sinful nature. It is seen as a voluntary, wrong action—often a violation of one of the 613 commandments—rather than a symptom of a sinful human soul.

Key Concepts of Sin in Judaism:

Missing the Mark: Chet literally means something that goes astray. Derived from archery, chet implies an accidental or intentional wandering from God's way. It's more of a mistake than a transgression.

Types of Sin:

Chet: Unintentional sin or missing the target.Avon: Iniquity; sin stemming from moral failing or weakness.Pesha: Transgression or rebellion; a conscious decision to disobey God.

No Original Sin: Judaism does not believe in original sin, and people are not born sinful. Instead, individuals have both a good inclination (yetzer hatov) and an evil inclination (yetzer hara), and they have the free will to choose between them.#

Categories: Sins are classified as being against God (e.g., breaking vows) or against another person (e.g., harming, stealing).

Repentance (Teshuvah): Sin is not seen as a permanent, irredeemable state. Repentance, prayer, and good deeds are believed to fix the damage caused by sin.

Responsibility: While temptation exists, individuals are personally responsible for their actions.

Sins of Omission - Judaism also includes sins of omission, which occur when someone fails to act when they should, such as failing to help another in need.

 on Genesis 33:3): Pride, Envy, Gluttony, Stinginess, Lust, Hatred, and Sloth.

The "Three Cardinal Sins": According to Jewish law, there are three, not seven, transgressions so serious they must be avoided even at the cost of one's life (yehareg ve'al ya'avor): Idolatry, murder, and forbidden sexual relations.

Rabbinic "World-Destroyers": Rabbinic tradition identifies sins that "take a person out of this world," including jealousy, lust, pride, and hatred of others.

Plato’s four cardinal virtues: wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice (and perhaps Piety, respecting the Gods), exist in persons, specifically within their souls. These are essential excellences of the soul and the state, primarily outlined in The Republic. These virtues serve as a, moral framework designed to balance human reason, spirit, and appetite, leading to a balanced individual and a harmonious society.

The Four Cardinal Virtues:
•	Wisdom (Prudence/Prudentia): The ability to discern the appropriate course of action and act rationally; it is the virtue of the rational part of the soul.
•	Courage (Fortitude/Fortitudo): The ability to persevere in the face of fear or difficulty, ensuring that the spirit acts in accordance with reason.
•	Temperance (Moderation/Sophrosyne): The mastery over desires and impulses; it is the harmony between the superior and inferior parts of the soul.
•	Justice (Dikaiosyne): The overarching virtue that ensures each part of the soul (or citizen in a state) performs its proper function without interfering with others. 

Key Aspects:
•	The Soul: Plato relates these virtues to the tripartite soul: Wisdom (Reason), Courage (Spirit), and Temperance (Appetite), with Justice being the harmony of all three.
•	The State: These virtues are mapped to society: Rulers are wise, Guardians are courageous, and Producers are temperate, creating a just society.
•	Unity: In Stoicism, users agree that the four virtues are often viewed as interrelated, where one cannot be truly virtuous without all four.
•	Influence: These were later adopted by early Christians and the Catholic tradition as the cardinal virtues, says Vermont Philosophy. 

For Plato, vice is a disease, weakness, or deformity of the soul caused by disharmony among its parts (reason, spirit, appetite). It stems from ignorance and improper habituation, leading the soul to fail in its function of living a reason-guided life. Key vices include injustice, greed (pleonexia), lawlessness, and tyranny.

Key Concepts of Platonic Vice
•	Psychic Disharmony: Plato views the soul as tripartite. Vice arises when the appetitive or spirited parts refuse to submit to reason, disrupting the soul's harmony.
•	Ignorance: Considered the fundamental vice of the rational soul part, it is a state of being unaware of what is truly good and real.
•	Disease/Deformity: Vice is frequently described in The Republic as a sickness or ugliness of the soul, contrasting with the "health" of virtue.
•	Pleonexia (Greed): A major vice characterized by the relentless desire to have more than others, a key feature of the unjust man.
•	Tyranny/Lawlessness: The ultimate expression of viciousness, where a person is fully governed by their lowest desires and lacks all internal or external restraint. 
Relationship to Virtue
Vice is the opposite of the four cardinal virtues:
•	Ignorance is the opposite of Wisdom.
•	Cowardice is the opposite of Courage.
•	Self-indulgence/Lack of moderation is the opposite of Temperance.
•	Injustice is the opposite of Justice. 
Plato's theory of vice emphasizes that a bad community and poor habits tend to distort the soul, leading to a "tyrant's vice" where the individual is ruined by a focus on fleeting pleasures rather than the Good. 

Socrates, primarily through Plato's dialogues, emphasized a core set of virtues essential for a flourishing soul and city, often focusing on four or five main pillars: wisdom, justice, courage, temperance (moderation), and sometimes piety. He famously held the view that "virtue is knowledge," meaning all virtues are ultimately forms of knowledge about what is good. 

The Core Socratic Virtues
•	Wisdom (Sophia/Phronesis): The foundational virtue. It is the ability to understand what is truly good and evil, and to discern how one ought to act.
•	Justice (Dikaiosyne): Relates to proper, fair dealing with others and the gods, often involving honesty and integrity.
•	Courage (Andreia): Defined not just as bravery, but as the knowledge of what is and is not to be feared, enabling one to act properly in danger.
•	Temperance or Moderation (Sophrosyne): Self-control, discipline, and understanding what is proper in terms of desires and pleasures.
•	Piety (Hosiotes): Knowledge of how to honor and behave toward the gods, sometimes included in the list of cardinal virtues. 

Key Aspects of Socratic Virtue
•	Virtue is Knowledge: Socrates argued that no one knowingly does evil; actions that are harmful result from ignorance of the good.
•	Unity of Virtue: Socrates believed that these virtues are not separate, but rather all aspects of a single knowledge.
•	Unexamined Life: He emphasized that "the unexamined life is not worth living," indicating that the constant pursuit of virtue is essential for a good life.
•	Virtue as Soul Health: Similar to how physical health is important, Socrates viewed moral virtue as the essential health of the soul. 

These virtues are often considered the precursor to the four Cardinal Virtues (Wisdom, Justice, Courage, Temperance) adopted by the Catholic Church and other philosophical schools.

Socrates did not define a formal list of vices, but instead viewed all wrongdoing as a single, fundamental vice: ignorance (amathia). He believed that because all humans naturally seek happiness, evil acts are committed involuntarily due to a misguided belief that harmful actions bring good.

Key Aspects of Socratic Vice
•	Ignorance of the Good: The ultimate vice is not knowing what is truly good for the soul, leading to false pursuits of wealth, power, or pleasure.
•	Injustice (Adikia): Committing injustice is considered the worst possible vice because it damages one's own soul, which is far worse than enduring injustice.
•	Intemperance/Self-indulgence: Failing to control passions and appetites, allowing them to overpower the rational part of the self.
•	Cowardice: A lack of the knowledge needed to face fears appropriately.
•	Misology/Closed-mindedness: A hatred of reasoning or unwillingness to engage in philosophical dialogue. 

Socrates proposed that virtue is knowledge, meaning that if someone truly understands what is virtuous, they will act accordingly. Therefore, all "vices" are actually mistakes stemming from poor judgment or lack of knowledge. 

Aristotle's 12 virtues, found in his Nicomachean Ethics, are the "golden mean" between the extremes of deficiency and excess, aiming for eudaimonia (happiness/flourishing). They are: Courage, Temperance, Generosity, Magnificence, Magnanimity, Proper Ambition, Patience, Truthfulness, Wittiness, Friendliness, Modesty, and Justice. 

Here is a breakdown of Aristotle’s 12 virtues, defining the "golden mean" between vices: 

1. Courage: The balance between Cowardice (deficiency) and Rashness (excess).
2. Temperance: Moderation in pleasures; the balance between Insensibility and Self-indulgence.
3. Generosity (Liberality): Giving and taking wealth appropriately; balance between Stinginess and Extravagance.
4. Magnificence: Living splendidly or grandly; balancing stinginess/meanness and vulgarity/ostentation.
5. Magnanimity (High-mindedness): Proper pride or self-worth; balancing humility (undue shyness) and vanity.
6. Proper Ambition: The right attitude toward honor; balance between lack of ambition and empty vanity.
7. Patience (Good Temper): Controlling anger; balancing lack of spirit and irascibility (short-temperedness).
8. Truthfulness: Being honest in self-expression; balance between self-deprecation and boastfulness.
9. Wittiness: The ability to be funny/socially intelligent; balance between boorishness (dullness) and buffoonery (clowning).
10.Friendliness: Being social and agreeable; balance between being grumpy/unfriendly and obsequious/flattering.
11.Modesty: Feeling shame or humility at the right time; balancing shyness and shamelessness.
12.Justice: Fairness and righteousness in dealing with others, ensuring equity in actions. 

Key Takeaways:
The Golden Mean: Aristotle taught that virtue is the midpoint between vices, which requires identifying the right amount, at the right time, towards the right people. He did say that some vices like murder had no mean.
Habitual Practice: These virtues are not innate but developed through habit and practice until they become part of one's character.
Contextual Application: The application of these virtues is subjective to the situation and requires "practical wisdom" (phronesis). 

Vice to Aristotle

For Aristotle, virtue isn't just a random good deed—it is a precise balance between two extremes. In his Nicomachean Ethics, he develops the Doctrine of the Mean, which explains that for every moral virtue, there are actually two corresponding vices:

The Vice of Deficiency: Having too little of a required trait.

The Vice of Excess: Having too much of a trait, or applying it poorly.

Virtue is the golden mean right in the middle—acting in the right way, toward the right people, for the right reason, and to the right degree.

The Triad Structure of Virtue and Vice
To understand Aristotle's concept, it helps to look at how he mapped out specific human emotions and actions into triads:
Sphere of Action / Emotion	Vice of Deficiency (Too Little)	Virtue (The Golden Mean)	Vice of Excess (Too Too Much)
Fear and Confidence	Cowardice (overwhelmed by fear)	Courage	Rashness (foolhardy, blind to danger)
Pleasure and Pain	Insensibility (incapable of enjoying pleasure)	Temperance	Licentiousness / Self-Indulgence
Giving and Taking Money	Stinginess / Meanness	Liberality / Generosity	Prodigality / Wastefulness
Self-Expression	Mock-Modesty / Self-Deprecation	Truthfulness	Boastfulness
Anger	"Inirascibility" (apathetic, won't stand up for oneself)	Good Temper / Patience	Irascibility (quick-tempered, vengeful)
________________________________________
Key Characteristics of Aristotelian Vices
1. Vices are Habits, Not One-Off Mistakes
Aristotle believed that we are what we repeatedly do. A person doesn't become vicious because they made one bad choice. A vice is a stable disposition of character (a hexis) built over time through repeated bad choices. Eventually, the vice becomes deeply ingrained, making it the person's natural default reaction.

2. One Extreme is Often Worse Than the Other
Though virtue sits perfectly in the middle, Aristotle noted that one of the two vices usually feels more opposed to the virtue than the other.
•	For example, Cowardice feels much further away from Courage than Rashness does.
•	Conversely, Self-Indulgence (excess pleasure) feels much worse and more common to human nature than Insensibility (deficiency). Because of this, Aristotle advised that to find the mean, we should lean away from the vice to which we are naturally more inclined.

3. Vices Distort Perception
A fascinating aspect of Aristotle's theory is how vice warps a person's worldview. To a coward, a brave person looks rash and foolish. To a rash person, a brave person looks cowardly. Because people trapped in vice lack Phronesis (practical wisdom), they genuinely cannot perceive the right, virtuous path.

4. Some Actions Have No "Mean"
Aristotle explicitly states that the Doctrine of the Mean does not apply to things that are inherently bad. There is no "right amount" of murder, theft, or adultery. The acts themselves are already errors, and you cannot find a virtuous middle ground within them.
________________________________________
"Virtue, then, is a state of character concerned with choice, lying in a mean... This is a mean between two vices, that which depends on excess and that which depends on defect."
— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics

The 7 major sins (al-kaba'ir) in Islam are destructive actions warned against by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). These include: 1. Shirk (associating partners with Allah), 2. Magic/sorcery, 3. Unjustly killing a soul, 4. Consuming riba (interest), 5. Misappropriating an orphan’s wealth, 6. Fleeing the battlefield, and 7. Slandering chaste women. 

Shirk can take different forms, including idol worship, attributing divine attributes to other beings, and invoking others besides Allah for help.

List of the 15 Major Sins in Islam:
Associating Anything with Allah (Shirk)
Murder (Unjust Taking of Life)
Fleeing Away from the Battlefield
Adultery (Zina)
Calumniating Chaste, Innocent Believing Women
Consuming the Wealth of an Orphan
Riba (Usury/Interest)
Disrespecting Parents
Witchcraft
Bearing False Witness
Failing to pay Zakat
Lying About the Prophet
Drinking Alcohol
Pride and Arrogance
Gambling

 Virtues
Muslims consider virtues (akhlaq) to be essential moral qualities aimed at cultivating a strong connection with God (taqwa) and benefiting society. Core virtues include honesty, patience, generosity, humility, gratitude, and justice. These traits are based on the Quran and the Prophetic tradition, which emphasize sincerity and kindness toward both people and animals.

Virtues. Many virtues/good character traits/moral qualities such as kindness (to people and animals), charity, forgiveness, honesty, patience, justice, respecting parents and elders, keeping promises, and controlling one's anger, are commanded or encouraged in verses in the Quran and hadith.

Key Islamic virtues include:
Sincerity and Truthfulness (al-sidq): Honesty in words, deeds, and intentions.
Patience (sabr): Endurance and persistence during hardships.
Generosity and Charity: Giving to those in need (zakat and sadaqah).
Forgiveness: Practicing tolerance and avoiding vengefulness.
Humility: Maintaining modesty in behavior and attitude.
Justice: Ensuring fairness and equality, even against oneself.
Good Character (Husn al-Khuluq): Politeness, gentleness, and maintaining social bonds.
Gratitude (shukr): Appreciating blessings from God.
Control of Anger: Forbearance and restraint.

These virtues are viewed as practical, everyday actions that define a believer’s character and strengthen community bonds, rather than just abstract ideals.

The 7-7-7 rule in Islam is a child-rearing framework often attributed to Imam Ali (RA), dividing upbringing into three seven-year stages: (1) play/nurture (ages 0-7), (2) teach/discipline (ages 7-14), and (3) befriend/advise (ages 14-21). This approach shifts from building a loving bond to imparting discipline, and finally to mentorship, aiming to build a grounded, respectful, and emotionally secure Muslim. 

36 Virtues of Islam
“Fear Allah and make your utterance straight forward: That He may make your conduct whole and sound.”
By Mirza Baig / 11 Mar 2013

“Lo! This Quraan guides’ unto that which is straightest, and gives glad tidings unto the believers who do good works, that theirs will be a great reward”.(Al-Quraan)

1) CHARITY:

“..Be steadfast in prayer and regular in charity: And whatever good ye send forth for your souls before you, ye shall find it with Allah…”(Al-Quraan 2:110)

2) CONTENTMENT:

“In no wise covet those things in which Allah hath bestowed His gifts more freely on some of you than on others: to men is allotted what they earn, and to women what they earn: but ask Allah of His bounty.”(Al-Quraan 4:32)

3) COURTESY:

 “When a (courteous) greeting is offered you, meet it with a greeting still more courteous, or (at least) of equal courtesy. Allah takes careful account of all things.”(Al-Quraan 4:86)

“Let not some men among you laugh at others: it may be that the (latter) are better than the (former): nor let some women laugh at others: it may be that the (latter) are better than the (former): nor defame nor be sarcastic to each other, nor call each other by (offensive) nicknames.”(Al-Quraan 49:11)

4) COURAGE:

“(It is) for those who believe… when an oppressive wrong is inflicted on them, (are not cowed but) help and defend themselves.”(Al-Quraan 42:36-39)

5) DIGNITY:

“To those against whom war is made, permission is given (to fight), because they are wronged.”(Al-Quraan 22:39)

“If any do help and defend themselves after a wrong (done) to them, against such there is no cause of blame.”(Al-Quraan 42:41)

6) DISCIPLINE:

“Bow down, prostrate yourselves, and adore your Lord; and do good; that ye may prosper. And strive in His cause as ye ought to strive, (with sincerity and under discipline).”(Al-Quraan 22:77-78)

7) FIRMNESS:

 “How many of the Prophets fought (in Allah’s way), and with them (fought) large bands of godly men? But they never lost heart if they met with disaster in Allah’s way, nor did they weaken (in will) nor give in. And Allah loves those who are firm and steadfast.”(Al-Quraan 3:146)

“Bear with patient constancy whatever betide thee; for this is firmness (of purpose) in (the conduct of) affairs.” (Al-Quraan 31:17)

8) FORGIVENESS:

“Practice forgiveness, command decency and avoid ignorant people”(Al-Quraan 7: 199)

9) FRANKNESS:

“Fear Allah and make your utterance straight forward: That He may make your conduct whole and sound.”(Al-Quraan 33:70-71)

10) FRUGALITY:

“Eat not up your property among yourselves in vanities.”(Al-Quraan 4:29)

“Waste not by excess: for Allah loveth not the wasters.”(Al-Quraan 6:141)

11) GENEROSITY:

“Give of the good things which ye have (honorably) earned, and of the fruits of the earth which We have produced for you.”(Al-Quraan 2:267)

“If ye disclose (acts of) charity, even so it is well, but if ye conceal them, and make them reach those (really) in need, that is best for you.”(Al-Quraan 2:271)

“By no means shall ye attain righteousness unless ye give (freely) of that which ye love.”(Al-Quraan 3:92)

“Those who spend their wealth (for the sake of Allah) night and day, both privately and publicly, will get their reward from their Lord, they shall have no cause to fear nor shall they grieve.”(Al-Quraan 2:274)

“Those saved from the covetousness of their own souls, they are the ones that achieve prosperity.”(Al-Quraan 59:9)

“(Do not) expect, in giving, any increase (for thyself)!” (Al-Quraan 74:6)

12) GOOD SPEECH:

“Say to My servants that they should (only) say those things that are best: for Satan doth sow dissensions among them.”(Al-Quraan 17:53)

“(The believers) have been guided… to the purest of speeches.”(Al-Quraan 22:24)

“Woe to every (kind of) scandal-monger and backbiter.”(Al-Quraan 104:1)

13) GRATITUDE:

“Eat of the good things that We have provided for you, and be grateful to Allah, if it is Him ye worship.”(Al-Quraan 2:172)

“Show gratitude to Me and to thy parents: to Me is (thy final) Goal.”(Al-Quraan 31:14)

“(Allah) liketh not ingratitude from His servants: if ye are grateful, He is pleased with you.”(Al-Quraan 39:7)

14) HONESTY / FAIR-DEALING:

“Cover not Truth with falsehood, nor conceal the Truth when ye know (what it is).”(Al-Quraan 2:42)

“Take not your oaths, to practice deception between yourselves.”(Al-Quraan 16:94)

“Truly many are the partners (in business) who wrong each other: Not so do those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, and how few are they?”(Al-Quraan 38:24)

“Woe to those that deal in fraud, – Those who, when they have to receive by measure from men, exact full measure, but when they have to give by measure or weight to men, give less than due.”(Al-Quraan 83:1-3)

15) HOPE:

“Here is a plain statement to men, a guidance and instruction to those who fear Allah. So lose not heart, nor fall into despair: For ye must gain mastery if ye are true in Faith.”(Al-Quraan 3:138-139)

“What is with you must vanish: what is with Allah will endure. And We will certainly bestow, on those who patiently persevere, their reward according to the best of their actions.”(Al-Quraan 16:96)

16) HUMILITY:

“Call on your Lord with humility and in private: for Allah loveth not those who trespass beyond bounds.”(Al-Quraan 7:55)

“Celebrate the praises of thy Lord, and be of those who prostrate themselves in adoration.”(Al-Quraan 15:98)

“The servants of (Allah) Most Gracious are those who walk on the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say, ‘Peace!’”(Al-Quraan 25:63)

“Exult not, for Allah loveth not those who exult (in riches).”(Al-Quraan 28:76)

“Swell not thy cheek (for pride) at men, nor walk in insolence through the earth; for Allah loveth not any arrogant boaster.”(Al-Quraan 31:18)

17) JUSTICE:

“Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest ye swerve.”(Al-Quraan 4:135)

“Allah loveth those who judge in equity.”(Al-Quraan 5:42)

“O‘you who believe! Always be upright for Allah, bearing witness in justice, and do not let hatred of a people incite you to be unfair to them. Be fair! That is the nearest to Taqwa. Fear Allah! Indeed, Allah is aware of what you do.”(Al-Quraan 5:8)

“Take not life, which Allah hath made sacred, except by way of justice and law.”(Al-Quraan 6:151)

18) KINDNESS:

“Allah loveth those who are kind.”(Al-Quraan 5:13)

“Be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor. And, out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say: ‘My Lord! Bestow on them Thy Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood.’”(Al-Quraan 17:23-24)

“Begin not hostilities. Lo! Allah loveth not aggressors’”(Al-Quraan 2: 190)

“..And (show) kindness to (your) parents and to near relatives, orphans, and the needy and to the neighbour who is your relative and the neighbour who is not your relative…”(Al-Quraan 4: 36)

“It is because of mercy from Allah that you (Muhammed) have been kind to them, for if you had been harsh and cruel-hearted they would have dispersed from around you. Pardon them, seek forgiveness for them and consult them on the matter…”(Al-Quraan 3: 159)

“Be kind as Allah has been kind to you…”(Al-Quraan 28: 77)

“We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents: in travail upon travail did his mother bear him, and in years twain was his weaning.”(Al-Quraan 31:14)

“Treat not the orphan with harshness, nor repulse him who asks.”(Al-Quraan 93:9-10)

19) LOYALTY:

“Fulfill (every) engagement, for (every) engagement will be inquired into (on the Day of Reckoning).”(Al-Quraan 17:34)

20) MERCY:

“If the debtor is in a difficulty, grant him time till it is easy for him to repay. But if ye remit it by way of charity, that is best for you if ye only knew.”(Al-Quraan 2:280)

“We ordained therein for them: ‘Life for life, eye for eye, nose or nose, ear for ear, tooth for tooth, and wounds equal for equal.’ But if any one remits the retaliation by way of charity, it is an act of atonement for himself.”(Al-Quraan 5:45)

“Overlook (any human faults) with gracious forgiveness.”(Al-Quraan 15:85)

“Repel (Evil) with what is better: then will he between whom and thee was hatred become as it were thy friend and intimate!”(Al-Quraan 41:34)

“(It is) for those who believe and put their trust in their Lord… when they are angry even then forgive.”(Al-Quraan 42:36-37)

“The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto (in degree): but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah: for (Allah) loveth not those who do wrong.”(Al-Quraan 42:40)

21) MODERATION / BALANCE:

“Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loveth not transgressors.”(Al-Quraan 2:190)

“Commit no excess: for Allah loveth not those given to excess.”(Al-Quraan 5:87)

“And the servants of (Allah) Most Gracious are those who… when they spend, are not extravagant and not niggardly, but hold a just (balance) between those (extremes).”(Al-Quraan 25:63-67)

“Seek, with the (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on thee, the Home of the Hereafter, nor forget thy portion in this world: but do thou good, as Allah has been good to thee.”(Al-Quraan 28:77)

22) PATIENCE:

“Seek (Allah’s) help with patient perseverance and prayer: It is indeed hard, except to those who are humble, who bear in mind the certainty that they are to meet their Lord, and that they are to return to Him.”(Al-Quraan 2:45-46)

“Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere, who say, when afflicted with calamity: ‘To Allah We belong, and to Him is our return’. They are those on whom (Descend) blessings from their Lord, and Mercy.”(Al-Quraan 2:155-157)

“Pray for help from Allah, and (wait) in patience and constancy: for the earth is Allah’s, to give as a heritage to such of His servants as He pleases; and the end is (best) for the righteous.”(Al-Quraan 7:128)

23) PERSEVERANCE:

“On no soul doth Allah place a burden greater than it can bear. It gets every good that it earns, and it suffers every ill that it earns.”(Al-Quraan 2:286)

“Ye shall certainly be tried and tested in your possessions and in your personal selves; and ye shall certainly hear much that will grieve you, from those who received the Book before you and from those who worship partners besides Allah. But if ye persevere patiently, and guard against evil, then that will be of great resolution.”(Al-Quraan 3:186)

24) PRUDENCE:

“When ye deal with each other, in transactions involving future obligations in a fixed period of time reduce them to writing… whether it be small or big; it is just in the sight of Allah, more suitable as evidence, and more convenient to prevent doubts among yourselves.”(Al-Quraan 2:282)

“If a wicked person comes to you with any news, ascertain the truth, lest ye harm people unwittingly and afterwards become full of repentance for what ye have done.”(Al-Quraan 49:6)

25) PURITY:

“Eat of what is on earth, lawful and good; and do not follow the footsteps of the Satan, for he is to you an avowed enemy.”(Al-Quraan 2:168)

“(Allah) loves those who keep themselves pure and clean.”(Al-Quraan 2:222)

“When ye prepare for prayer, wash your faces, and your hands (and arms) to the elbows; Rub your heads (with water); and (wash) your feet to the ankles. If ye are in a state of ceremonial impurity, bathe your whole body… Allah doth not wish to place you in a difficulty, but to make you clean.”(Al-Quraan 5:6)

26) REPENTANCE:

“Seek ye the forgiveness of your Lord, and turn to Him in repentance; that He may grant you enjoyment, good (and true), for a term appointed.”(Al-Quraan 11:3)

“Your Lord knoweth best what is in your hearts: If ye do deeds of righteousness, verily He is Most Forgiving to those who turn to Him again and again (in true penitence).”(Al-Quraan 17:25)

27) RESPECT:

“Say to the People of the Book and to those who are unlearned: ‘Do ye (also) submit yourselves?’ If they do, they are in right guidance, but if they turn back, thy duty is to convey the Message.”(Al-Quraan 3:20)

“Enter not houses other than your own, until ye have asked permission and saluted those in them: that is best for you, in order that ye may heed (what is seemly). If ye find no one in the house, enter not until permission is given to you: if ye are asked to go back, go back: that makes for greater purity for yourselves.”(Al-Quraan 24:27-28)

“Avoid suspicion as much (as possible): for suspicion in some cases is a sin: and spy not on each other, nor speak ill of each other behind their backs. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother?”(Al-Quraan 49:12)

28) RESPONSIBILITY:

“Whoever recommends and helps a good cause becomes a partner therein: And whoever recommends and helps an evil cause, shares in its burden.”(Al-Quraan 4:85)

29) RIGHTEOUSNESS:

“Do no evil or mischief on the (face of the) earth.”(Al-Quraan 2:60)

“Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong.”(Al-Quraan 3:104)

“Do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbors who are of kin, neighbors who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (ye meet), and what your right hands possess.”(Al-Quraan 4:36)

“(Allah) forbids all indecent deeds, and evil and rebellion: He instructs you, that ye may receive admonition.”(Al-Quraan 16:90)

“Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you.”(Al-Quraan 49:13)

30) SELF-RESTRAINT:

“Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint.”(Al-Quraan 2:183)

“(Do not follow) the lust (of thy heart), for it will mislead thee from the Path of Allah.” (Al-Quraan 38:26)

“For such as had entertained the fear of standing before their Lord’s (tribunal) and had restrained (their) soul from lower desires, their abode will be the Garden.”(Al-Quraan 79:40-41)

31) SINCERITY:

“Allah will never change the grace which He hath bestowed on a people until they change what is in their (own) souls.”(Al-Quraan 8:53)

“Woe to the worshippers… who (want but) to be seen.”(Al-Quraan 107:4-6)

32) SPIRITUALITY:

“Behold! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and day, – there are indeed Signs for men of understanding, Men who celebrate the praises of Allah, standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and contemplate the (wonders of) creation in the heavens and the earth, (with the thought): ‘Our Lord! Not for naught hast Thou created (all) this! Glory to Thee!”(Al-Quraan 3:190-191)

“Establish regular prayer: for prayer restrains from shameful and evil deeds; and remembrance of Allah is the greatest (thing in life) without doubt.”(Al-Quraan 29:45)

“True, there is for thee by day prolonged occupation with ordinary duties: But keep in remembrance the name of thy Lord and devote thyself to Him whole-heartedly. (He is) Lord of the East and the West: there is no god but He: take Him therefore for (thy) Disposer of Affairs.”(Al-Quraan 73:7-9)

33) TOLERANCE:

“Say: ‘O People of the Book! come to common terms as between us and you: That we worship none but Allah; that we associate no partners with Him; that we erect not, from among ourselves, lords and patrons other than Allah.’ If then they turn back, say ye: ‘Bear witness that we (at least) are Muslims (bowing to Allah’s Will).’”(Al-Quraan 3:64)

“If it had been thy Lord’s Will, they would all have believed, all who are on earth! Wilt thou then compel mankind, against their will, to believe!”(Al-Quraan 10:99)

34) TRUSTWORTHINESS:

“If one of you deposits a thing on trust with another, let the trustee (faithfully) discharge his trust, and let him fear Allah.”(Al-Quraan 2:283)

“Allah doth command you to render back your trusts to those to whom they are due.”(Al-Quraan 4:58)

35) UNITY:

“Hold fast, all together, by the Rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude Allah’s favor on you; for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so that by His Grace, ye became brethren.”(Al-Quraan 3:103)

36) WISDOM:

“Invite (all) to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious.”(Al-Quraan 16:125)

The seven heavenly virtues, designed to counteract the seven deadly sins, are humility, charity (generosity), chastity, gratitude, temperance, patience, and diligence. Formally enumerated by Pope Gregory I in the 6th century, these virtues emphasize practical moral actions, such as compassion, self-control, and hard work, aimed at combating sinful tendencies.

Here is the breakdown of the Seven Heavenly Virtues and the sins they counteract: 
Humility: Counteracts Pride
Charity (Generosity): Counteracts Greed
Chastity: Counteracts Lust
Gratitude (Kindness): Counteracts Envy
Temperance: Counteracts Gluttony
Patience: Counteracts Wrath (Anger)
Diligence: Counteracts Sloth 

Alternative Definition (Theological/Cardinal)
Another common, more classical interpretation of the seven virtues combines the three theological virtues (faith, hope, and charity) with the four cardinal virtues (prudence, fortitude, temperance, and justice). 
Chastity: Moderation and purity of sexual conduct.
Temperance: Self-control, moderation, and deferred gratification.
Charity: Self-sacrifice, compassion, and willingness to help others.
Diligence: A zealous, persistent work ethic and carefulness.
Patience: Peaceful stability, forgiveness, and mercy over conflict.
Kindness: Compassion, empathy, and satisfaction with one's situation.
Humility: Modesty in self-appraisal; thinking of oneself less, rather than less of oneself. 

***

The theological virtues are those named by St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 13: "And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love."
*
According to St. Thomas Aquinas, there are at least 64 virtues which are 'hinged' upon prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude.

***

Based on the biblical Proverbs 31 woman, seven key virtues often highlighted for a woman of character are inner beauty, selflessness, kindness, resilience, wisdom, diligence, and godliness. These virtues emphasize a woman's internal strength, her devotion to faith, and her actions in serving others and caring for her family. [I still say Gentleness.]

1. Inner Beauty (or Dignity): Focusing on character, integrity, and spiritual health rather than outward appearance alone.
2. Selflessness (or Generosity): Placing the needs of others before one’s own, fostering a spirit of service and humility.
3. Kindness: Acting with compassion, gentleness, and mercy in speech and actions.
4. Resilience (or Patience): Maintaining strength, hope, and steadfastness in difficult times.
5. Wisdom: Seeking godly understanding to make sound decisions and offer wise counsel.
6. Diligence (or Industry): Being industrious, purposeful, and disciplined in responsibilities.
7. Godliness (or Devotion): Prioritizing a relationship with God as the foundation for all other virtues. 

Confucius considered virtue (de) as the foundation of a harmonious society, built upon the cultivation of moral character, benevolence (ren), and proper conduct. The core of his teachings centers on five constant virtues: Benevolence, Righteousness, Propriety, Wisdom, and Trustworthiness. These ideals emphasize empathy, social responsibility, and filial duty.

What are the 5 main virtues?
5 Main Virtues From Confucius To Lead a Successful Life
Benevolence — 仁 (ren) Benevolence is an act of kindness towards ourselves and others without expecting to get anything in return. ...
Righteousness — 義 (yi) ...
Trustworthiness — 信 (xin) ...
Propriety — 禮(li) ...
Wisdom — 智(zhi)

The Five Constant Virtues are:
Ren (Benevolence/Kindheartedness): Considered the highest virtue, it is the inward heart of humanity, compassion, and love for others.

Yi (Righteousness/Duty): The moral disposition to do good, acting justly and appropriately in any given situation.

Li (Propriety/Ritual): The outward expression of respect, covering etiquette, manners, and proper social behavior to maintain harmony.

Zhi (Wisdom): The ability to distinguish right from wrong and understand moral truths.Xin (Trustworthiness/Integrity): Honesty, reliability, and ensuring actions match words.

Key Behavioral Concepts:Xiao (Filial Piety): Devotion to family, respecting parents, and honoring ancestors is the foundation of virtue.

Junzi (Gentleman/Noble Person): The role model who embodies these virtues and acts out of righteousness rather than profit.

Shu (Reciprocity): Not doing to others what you would not want done to yourself.

Confucius taught that virtues are developed through education, self-reflection, and strict adherence to social roles and rituals

Confucianism does not have a concept of "sin" as a religious offense against God, but rather views moral failures as violations of social order, ethics, and virtue, often termed as vices or crimes (\(罪\), tsui). The ultimate "sin" or failure is acting against virtues like filial piety, benevolence, and ritual propriety.

Key Actions Considered Misconduct/Sinful:Lack of Filial Piety (\(孝\), xiào): Disrespecting, abandoning, or failing to honor parents and ancestors is considered a primary moral failing.

Violating Ritual Propriety (\(禮\), lǐ): Disrupting social order, disregarding hierarchy, and failing to adhere to proper etiquette and rituals.

Lack of Benevolence (\(仁\), rén): Failing to show humanity, compassion, or love toward others.

Violation of the Five Relationships: Failing in duties toward rulers, parents, spouses, siblings, or friends.Self-Indulgence/Lasciviousness: Following selfish desires (\(慾\)) and neglecting one's duty to cultivate virtue.

Dishonesty: Lacking trustworthiness (\(信\), xìn) or loyalty (\(忠\), zhōng).

Confucianism prioritizes restoring social harmony and personal virtue over divine punishment, seeing misconduct as a disruption of the "Mandate of Heaven" (\(天命\), tiānmìng)—a moral, not personal, divine order.

According to Taoism, virtues are not rigid moral rules, but natural expressions of living in harmony with the Tao (The Way). The core virtues, known as the Three Treasures or Three Jewels, are compassion, moderation/Frugality, and humility, as stated in the Tao Te Ching. These virtues foster a natural life, aligning with nature rather than forcing artificial control.

Compassion (慈, cí): The primary virtue, acting with kindness and unconditional care, which is said to breed courage.

Moderation/Frugality (儉, jiǎn): Known as "frugality," "moderation," or "temperance," this is the ability to live simply, avoid over-consumption, and be content with enough, allowing for generosity.

Humility (不敢為天下先, bùgǎn wéi tiānxià xiān): "Not daring to act as first under heaven," this represents modesty, avoiding striving for power, and not seeking personal gain or recognition.

Key Principles of Daoist Virtue
Te (德): Known as "virtue" or "power," Te is the innate, natural virtue that arises when a person follows the Tao.

Wu Wei (Non-Action): Acting without artificiality, force, or selfish expectations (acting with no expectations).

Flexibility and Non-Judgment: Emulating water, which benefits all creatures without judgment and takes the lowest path.

Simple/Natural (Pu): Returning to a state of simple, uncarved wood, free from societal corruption.

Other Aspects of Taoist LivingSupreme Virtue (Ch. 10): Nourishing without possessing, and leading without controlling.

The Seven Virtues of Water: Represented as natural and effortless: flowing, yielding, low-seeking, nurturing, and timely.

While the Tao Te Ching emphasizes the Three Treasures, some modern discussions, often overlapping with Confucianism, mention "five virtues" (benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness), though these are fundamentally part of a more Confucian ethical structure rather than core Daoist spontaneity.

Daoism does not have a traditional concept of "sin" as an offense against a deity, but rather views moral failings as deviations from the Dao (the natural way) that cause unnatural, unbalanced living. The greatest "sin" is arguably acting against nature, creating chaos through greed, excessive ambition, and disrupting harmony.

Craving and Greed: The Tao Te Ching states, "There is no greater sin than craving" (or "desire"). Excessive desire is viewed as the ultimate curse leading to misery and a loss of inner peace.

Lack of Moderation: Extreme ambition, pride, and unbalanced living are condemned.

Defying Naturalness (Ziran): Acting against one's own natural, quiet self or attempting to force outcomes rather than practicing wu-wei (non-action or effortless action).

Harmful Actions: According to some interpretations, killing, stealing, lying, or committing adultery are considered negative acts that hinder spiritual progress.

Lack of Balance: A refusal to practice the "Three Treasures": compassion (慈), frugality (儉), and humility (後).

Arrogance/Lack of Humility: Placing oneself above others, rather than being modest and flexible.

In short, Daoism views "sin" as losing balance, being inauthentic, or disturbing the natural harmony of the universe.

What are the 7 Buddhist virtues?
Mindfulness: The Balancing Factor. Mindfulness is always skillful. ...
Investigation of Dhammas (dhamma-vicāya) ...
Energy (viriya) ...
Rapture (pīti) ...
Tranquility (passaddhi) ...
Concentration (samādhi) ...
Equanimity (upekkhā)

To understand these Ten Virtues and Non-virtues, we’ll begin by explaining the non-virtues. Avoiding or abandoning such actions forms the basis of the path of Buddhist Ethics. The Ten Non-Virtues are broken down into three groups as they are expressed by our bodies, our speech, or in our minds. These ten are:
Body:	Killing, Stealing, Sexual Misconduct		
Speech:	Lying, Divisive Speech, Harsh Speech, Pointless Gossip			
Mind:	Greed/Covetousness, Harmful Intent, Wrong View (denial of cause and effect)		
Engaging in any of these 10 actions is counterproductive to our spiritual path.

The Ten Virtues are not merely the abandonment of the Ten Non-Virtues but are the engaging in their opposites. For example, instead of merely avoiding killing, we protect life. Instead of merely avoiding mindless gossip, we say things that are intentional, helpful, and meaningful—or we be quiet! These 10 are:
Body:	Protect Life, Give Generously, Maintain One’s Discipline
Speech:	Speak Honestly, Reconcile, Speak Pleasantly, Speak Meaningfully			
Mind:	Generosity, Loving Kindness, Correct View of Reality			
There is much more that could be said about the Ten Virtues in terms of one’s motivation for doing such deeds. Simply doing any of these virtuous or non-virtuous behaviors does not necessarily make the behavior virtuous or non-virtuous. The virtue or lack thereof is determined by your intention.
Khen Rinpoche often says, “Virtue and Non-Virtue are determined by the motivation with which an action is done and not by the outer form that the action takes.” This means that virtue and non-virtue are determined by intention rather than result. If you lie to someone in order to protect them from harm, that action is virtuous because it is motivated by a wish to protect life. Conversely, you could say something truthful with the motivation to hurt someone’s feelings. In that case, your action of telling the truth would be non-virtuous because of your motivation.

The Ten Virtues
1. Not destroying life
2. Not taking what has not been given.
3. Refrain from sexual misconduct.
4. Not telling falsehood.
5. Not using abusive language.
6. Not finding others.
7. Not indulging in idle gossip.
8. Not being Quebec.
9. Not being malicious.
10. Not holding wrong views. 

Positive Precepts - virtues
With deeds of loving-kindness I purify my body.

With open-handed generosity I purify my body.

With simplicity, stillness and contentment, I purify my body.

With truthful communication I purify my speech.

With words kindly and gracious I purify my speech

With utterances helpful, I purify my speech.

With utterances harmonious, I purify my speech.

Abandoning covetousness for tranquility I purify my mind.

Changing hatred into compassion, I purify my mind.

Transforming ignorance into wisdom I purify my mind.

The top 10 virtues, essential for personal character and ethical living, often include honesty, integrity, compassion, courage, patience, humility, gratitude, kindness, discipline, and forgiveness. These traits, frequently cited in philosophical and ethical discussions, guide moral behavior, build strong character, and promote positive interpersonal relationships.  

Based on various ethical and character-focused sources, here are ten essential virtues:
1. Honesty/Integrity: Being truthful, sincere, and maintaining high moral principles.
2. Compassion/Kindness: Showing care, empathy, and kindness to others.
3. Courage: Strength in the face of adversity, pain, or fear.
4. Patience: The capacity to tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without anger.
5. Humility: Having an accurate, modest view of one's own importance.
6. Gratitude: A feeling of appreciation and thankfulness for blessings.
7. Discipline/Temperance: Self-control, moderation, and moderation in actions.
8. Respect: Treating others with high regard and dignity.
9. Responsibility/Loyalty: Fulfilling duties and being committed to others.
10.Perseverance/Fortitude: Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay. 

Benjamin Franklin's Thirteen Virtues
Benjamin Franklin sought to cultivate his character by a plan of 13 virtues, which he developed at age 20 (in 1726) and continued to practice in some form for the rest of his life. His autobiography lists his 13 virtues as:

"Temperance. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation."
"Silence. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation."
"Order. Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time."
"Resolution. Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve."
"Frugality. Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing."
"Industry. Lose no time; be always employ'd in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions."
"Sincerity. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly."
"Justice. Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty."
"Moderation. Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve."
"Cleanliness. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloaths, or habitation."
"Tranquility. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable."
"Chastity. Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation."
"Humility. Imitate Jesus and Socrates."

The 52 Virtues are a foundational list from The Virtues Project, designed to cultivate character, integrity, and kindness in daily life. Often used as a "Virtue of the Week" program for families, schools, and workplaces, these traits help build a culture of peace and empathy. 

To a large extent, Secular Ethics is, as the name suggests, a response to religions describing ethics based on the authority of a deity. It considers ethics to be completely independent of religion.

Secular ethics is a branch of moral philosophy in which ethics is based solely on human faculties such as logic, empathy, reason or moral intuition, and not derived from belief in supernatural revelation or guidance—a source of ethics in many religions. Secular ethics refers to any ethical system that does not draw on the supernatural, and includes humanism, secularism and freethinking. A classical example of literature on secular ethics is the Kural text, authored by the ancient Indian philosopher Valluvar.

Secular ethical systems comprise a wide variety of ideas to include the normativity of social contracts, some form of attribution of intrinsic moral value, intuition-based deontology, cultural moral relativism, and the idea that scientific reasoning can reveal objective moral truth (known as science of morality).

Secular ethics frameworks are not always mutually exclusive from theological values. For example, the Golden Rule or a commitment to non-violence, could be supported by both religious and secular frameworks. Secular ethics systems can vary within the societal and cultural norms of a specific time period, and may also be used by a person of any religious persuasion, including atheists.

Despite the width and diversity of their philosophical views, secular ethicists generally share one or more principles:[citation needed]

Human beings, through their ability to empathize, are capable of determining ethical grounds.
The well-being of others is central to ethical decision-making.
Human beings, through logic and reason, are capable of deriving normative principles of behavior.
This may lead to a behavior preferable to that propagated or condoned based on religious texts. Alternatively, this may lead to the advocacy of a system of moral principles that a broad group of people, both religious and non-religious, can agree upon.
Human beings have the moral responsibility to ensure that societies and individuals act based on these ethical principles.
Societies should, if at all possible, advance from a less ethical and just form to a more ethical and just form.

Humanist Manifestos
The Humanist Manifestos are three manifestos, the first published in 1933, that outline the philosophical views and stances of humanists. Integral to the manifestos is a lack of supernatural guidance.

Girl Scout law
The Girl Scout law is as follows:

I will do my best to be
honest and fair,
friendly and helpful,
considerate and caring,
courageous and strong, and
responsible for what I say and do,
and to
respect myself and others,
respect authority,
use resources wisely,
make the world a better place, and
be a sister to every Girl Scout.[5]
*

United States Naval Academy honor concept
"Midshipmen are persons of integrity: They stand for that which is right.

They tell the truth and ensure that the full truth is known. They do not lie.
They embrace fairness in all actions. They ensure that work submitted as their own is their own, and that assistance received from any source is authorized and properly documented. They do not cheat.
They respect the property of others and ensure that others are able to benefit from the use of their own property. They do not steal."[6]
*

Minnesota Principles
The Minnesota Principles were proposed "by the Minnesota Center for Corporate Responsibility in 1992 as a guide to international business activities":

Business activities must be characterized by fairness. We understand fairness to include equitable treatment and equality of opportunity for all participants in the marketplace.
Business activities must be characterized by honesty. We understand honesty to include candor, truthfulness and promise-keeping.
Business activities must be characterized by respect for human dignity. We understand this to mean that business activities should show a special concern for the less powerful and the disadvantaged.
Business activities must be characterized by respect for the environment. We understand this to mean that business activities should promote sustainable development and prevent environmental degradation and waste of resources.[7]
*

Rotary Four-Way Test
The Four-Way Test is the "linchpin of Rotary International's ethical practice." It acts as a test of thoughts as well as actions. It asks, "Of the things we think, say, or do":

Is it the truth?
Is it fair to all concerned?
Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
Will it be beneficial to all concerned?[1]

Military codes
See also: Ranger Creed
As the United States Constitution prohibits the establishment of a government religion, US military codes of conduct typically contain no religious overtones.

West Point Honor Code
The West Point honor code states that "A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do." The non-toleration clause is key in differentiating it from numerous other codes.[8]

Nature and ethics
See also: Social effect of evolutionary theory and evolutionary ethics
Whether or not the relationships between animals found in nature and between people in early human evolution can provide a basis for human morality is a persistently unresolved question. Thomas Henry Huxley wrote in Evolution and Ethics in 1893 that people make a grave error in trying to create moral ideas from the behavior of animals in nature. He remarked:

The practice of that which is ethically best — what we call goodness or virtue — involves a course of conduct which, in all respects, is opposed to that which leads to success in the cosmic struggle for existence. In place of ruthless self-assertion it demands self-restraint; in place of thrusting aside, or treading down, all competitors, it requires that the individual shall not merely respect, but shall help his fellows... It repudiates the gladiatorial theory of existence... Laws and moral precepts are directed to the end of curbing the cosmic process.[9]

Famous biologist and writer Stephen Jay Gould has stated that "answers will not be read passively from nature" and "[t]he factual state of the world does not teach us how we, with our powers for good and evil, should alter or preserve it in the most ethical manner". Thus, he concluded that ideas of morality should come from a form of higher mental reason, with nature viewed as an independent phenomenon.[9]

Evolutionary ethics is not the only way to involve nature with ethics. For example, there are ethically realist theories like ethical naturalism. Related to ethical naturalism is also the idea that ethics are best explored, not just using the lens of philosophy, but science as well (a science of morality).
...

? In the early years of the new United States, 
a delegation of the Founding Fathers traveled north to meet the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, a union of six Native nations whose political system had existed for centuries. The Americans came with confidence, believing they were bringing the gift of civilization to a people they barely understood.
But what happened that day overturned their assumptions.
The Haudenosaunee leaders welcomed them with calm dignity. They listened patiently as the Americans explained their new Constitution, their dream of liberty, and their hope for a stable union. When the Americans finished, an elder of the Confederacy stood up. His voice was gentle, but every word carried the weight of generations.
He said, “We have had a union like yours for nearly eight hundred years. Our nations keep peace through shared councils, mutual respect, and the duty to think of the seventh generation yet to come.”
The Americans were stunned. They had imagined themselves as teachers, yet they were standing before one of the world’s oldest democracies. The elder continued, explaining how each leader was chosen not for ambition, but for character; how decisions required consensus; how peace was a responsibility, not a victory.
In that moment, the Founding Fathers realized they were not the first to dream of freedom. They were inheritors of a much older wisdom.
And for a brief, shining moment, two civilizations; one young, one ancient; recognized each other not as rivals, but as equals in the long human struggle to build a just and peaceful world.
*
The Haudenosaunee Confederacy, or Iroquois Confederacy, is a historically powerful, democratic alliance of six nations—Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora—originally based in present-day New York State. Founded on the "Great Law of Peace," it is a matrilineal society known as the "People of the Longhouse". Today, the Haudenosaunee still exist as a sovereign entity with over 100,000 members across NY, Canada, and Wisconsin.
*
This is a charming story, but it's not very accurate. The Haudenosaunee confederacy, also called the Iroquois confederacy or the Iroquois League, did behave as described, but the Americans were well aware of their arrangement when they wrote the Constitution. In fact, many of the ideas that went into our constitution were heavily influenced by the Haudenosaunee confederacy. For example, admitting new states as equal partners was an Iroquois idea. The European approach was to admit new territories as subservient colonies of the Mother state. Our parliamentary rules, giving each speaker to right to speak without interruption, also came from the Iroquois, in sharp contrast to the European practice of shouting down speakers. Ben Franklin lived for a while with some of the native nations and was one of the people who brought their political ideas to the colonies.
****

The United States repeatedly violated and undermined its over 370 treaties with Native American nations, so much so that they were constantly accusing U.S. officials of ‘speaking with a forked tongue’

Considering their history, I believe there must be an incredible wisdom to the Maxims of Delphi, or maybe it is just precedent. The first problem I have is that they follow no obvious order, so the purpose of this is to categorize them to look for a pattern. One category will be what their context is: self (CS), family (CF), community (CC), state (CS). Another category will be virtues or character, such as courage (VC), wisdom (VW), generosity (VG), thriftiness (VT). Another category is "follow God" (GD). Law (LW)

Considering the history of the Maxims of Delphi, I believed there must be an incredible and highly refined wisdom in them, so I wanted to closely analyze them. The first problem was that they follow no obvious order, so I categorized each one by topic to look for patterns. The majority applied to personal virtues, including self knowledge, and self control. They also applied to family, the home, society, and even the state. Respecting laws, avoiding "sins" and practicing wisdom were common themes. As expected from later philosophy, they repeatedly mention friends. It mentions personal economics a few times. There is mention of gratitude, generosity and fortitude. Then I looked at a different translation of them and got a very different sense of depth. My conclusion is that as a the holy writ of the Cult of Apollo, the God of intellect, their greatest value came from discussion of them, which is typical of other philosophical schools.

These guiding principles emphasize moderation, piety, and self-knowledge—most famously "Know thyself" (Gnothi seauton) and "Nothing in excess" (Meden agan). They offer practical, ethical advice for daily life. 
Key Themes and Examples
The maxims, often presented as 147 short rules, cover various aspects of life, including:
•	Self-Control & Moderation: "Nothing in excess" (1), "Control your eyes" (102), "Control your temper" (14), "Avoid excess" (14).
•	Piety & Duty: "Follow God" (4), "Honor the gods" (4), "Respect parents" (4), "Honor the hearth" (14).
•	Social Conduct: "Be approachable" (5), "Help friends" (14), "Return what has been received" (14), "Do not curse your children" (5).
•	Wisdom & Character: "Know thyself" (4), "When you have learned, apply it" (4), "Shun evil" (14), "Praise the good" (14).

1. Follow God (God)
2. Obey the law and custom (CSociety, Law)
3. Worship the Gods (God)
4. Respect your parents (CFam)
5. Be overcome by justice, yeild to a just man (Law)
6. Know what you have learned (CSelf)
7. Perceive what you have heard  (CSelf, Wisdom)
8. Be (or know) yourself (CSelf)
9. Intend to get married  (Family)
10. Know your opportunity, critical moment  (CSelf, Wisdom)
11. Think as a mortal, be prudent  (CSelf)
12. If you are a stranger act like one  (CSelf, Social)
13. Honor the hearth, home, family [or Hestia]  (CSelf, family, Home)
14. Control yourself  (CSelf)
15. Help your friends  (Friends)
16. Control anger, desire, lust, emotion  (CSelf)
17. Exercise prudence  (CSelf)
18. Honor providence, divine forethought  (CSelf)
19. Do not use an oath  (CSelf?)
20. Love friendship  (CSelf, Friend)
21. Cling to discipline  (CSelf, Moral)
22. Pursue honor, a good reputation  (CSelf, Moral)
23. Long for wisdom, skill  (CSelf, Wisdom)
24. Praise the good (person) beautiful thing  (CSelf)
25. Find fault with no one  (CSelf)
26. Praise virtue  (CSelf)
27. Practice what is just  (CSelf, Law)
28. Be kind to friends  (CSelf, Friends)
29. Watch out for your enemies, hateful people  (CSelf, CSociety)
30. Exercise nobility of character, virtue  (CSelf)
31. Shun evil, moral badness, cowardice  (CSelf)
32. Be impartial, courteous  (CSelf, CSociety)
33. Guard what is yours, your affairs  (CSelf, wealth)
34. Shun what belongs to others, avoid strange customs  (Law)
35. Listen to everyone entirely (CSelf)
36. Be (religiously) silent, speak auspiciously (God)
37. Do a favor for a friend  (Friend)
38. Nothing to excess  (CSelf)
39. Use time sparingly, do not waste time  (CSelf,Wisdom, Thrifty)
40. Foresee the future - Think Ahead  (CSelf, Wisdom)
41. Despise insolence, wanton violence, overblown pride  (CSelf)
42. Have respect for suppliants  (CSociety)
43. Be accommodating in everything, Adapt yourself to all things (CSelf)
44. Educate your sons, train, discipline  (CFamily)
45. Give what you have  (CSelf, generosity)
46. Fear deceit, tricks  (CSelf)
47. Speak well of everyone  (CSelf, Society)
48. Be a seeker of wisdom  (CSelf, Wisdom)
49. Choose what is divine, lawful, sacred, allowed  (CSelf, Law, God)
50. Act when you know  (CSelf)
51. Shun murder  (CSelf)
52. Pray for things possible, Say aloud things that are powerful/possible/practicable (CSelf, God)
53. Consult the wise  (Wisdom)
54. Test the character, Put behavior to public scrutiny, especially yours  (CSociety)
55. Give back what you have received  (CSociety)
56. Down-look no one, View no one with jealousy; view no one stealthily  (CSelf - CSociety)
57. Use your skill, acquire skill  (CSelf - Wisdom)
58. Do what you mean to do, That which you were on the point of [giving], give (when you said you would)  (CSelf - Fortitude)
59. Honor a benefaction, honor good service done,  (CSelf, Gratitude)
60. Be jealous of no one, Bear a grudge against no one  (CSelf)
61. Be on your guard, pay attention, watch for dangers  (CSelf)
62. Praise hope  (CSelf)
63. Despise a slanderer, quarreling  (CSelf)
64. Gain possessions justly  (CSelf, Law)
65. Honor good men  (CSociety)
66. Know the judge, who is judging  (Wisdom)
67. Master wedding-feasts, Get the upper hand with respect to marriage negotiations  (CFamily, CSociety)
68. Recognize fortune, Acknowledge fate  (CSelf)
69. Flee a pledge, Avoid pledges  (CSelf?)
70. Speak plainly, do not deceive  (CSelf)
71. Associate with your peers, in virtue  (CSelf)
72. Govern your expenses  (thrifty)
73. Be happy with what you have  (CSelf)
74. Revere a sense of shame, (that has a person admitting his wrong-doing)  (CSelf)
75. Fulfill, repay a favor  (CSelf, social)
76. Pray for happiness, for success  ()
77. Be fond of fortune, be content with your lot  (CSelf, thrifty)
78. Observe what you have heard, give heed  (Wisdom)
79. Work for what you can own, ongoing  (CSelf, Thrifty)
80. Despise strife, quarreling  (CSelf, CSociety)
81. Detest disgrace (yours); don’t reproach others (CSelf)
82. Restrain the tongue  (CSelf)
83. Keep yourself from insolence (or lust)  (CSelf)
84. Make just judgments, discern justly  (CSelf, CSociety, Law, Wisdom)
85. Use what you have, don't hoard  (CSelf, THrifty)
86. Judge incorruptibly, no bribes  (CSelf, CSociety, Law, Wisdom)
87. Accuse one who is present, to their face  (CSociety)
88. Tell when you know  (CSelf)
89. Do not depend on strength, don't rely on violence  (CSelf)
90. Live without sorrow, Gather your livelihood without causing pain  (CSelf)
91. Live together meekly, Associate with others in a gentle way  (CSelf, Family)
92. Finish the race without shrinking back, without timidness  (CSelf)
93. Deal kindly with everyone,Be friendly/cheerful to all  (CSelf)
94. Do not curse your sons; don’t act in such a way that your actions doom your descendants  (CSelf, Family)
95. Rule your wife,Show your wife the way / lead your wife (esp. re: her use of household resources)  (CSelf, family)
96. Benefit yourself, Treat yourself well  (CSelf)
97. Be courteous, Be well spoken and be spoken about well  (CSelf)
98. Give a timely response, Respond at the critical moment; don’t make a snap judgement  (CSelf)
99. Struggle with glory, Labor / struggle in company with good repute / integrity  (CSelf)
100. Act without repenting,Act without afterthought / don’t keep changing your mind / act without overthinking it  (CSelf)
101. Repent of sins.(Only) when you are failing of your purpose, change your mind (rethink it)  (CSelf, Sins)
102. Control the eye (what you look at; what attention you attract)  (CSelf, sins)
103. Give a timely counsel, Give counsel after a time (deliberate for a while first)  (CSelf)
104. Act quickly,Act immediately / expeditiously  (CSelf)
105. Guard, protect friendship  (CSelf, Friend)
106. Be grateful,Be reasonable; be prudent; be considerate  (CSelf)
107. Pursue harmony, concord  (CSelf)
108. Keep deeply the top secret, Keep hidden that which ought not be spoken  (CSelf)
109. Fear ruling, power  (CSelf)
110. Pursue what is profitable  (Thrifty)
111. Accept due measure, Wait for the right time. (Thrifty)
112. Do away with enmities, let them go  (CSelf, Society)
113. Accept/expect old age  (CSelf)
114. Do not boast in might, about your physical strength  (CSelf)
115. Exercise?, Practice auspicious speech  (Self)
116. Flee enmity, hatred  (CSelf)
117. Acquire wealth justly  (Thrifty, Law)
118. Do not abandon honor, good reputation (CSelf)
119. Despise evil  (CSelf)
120. Venture into danger prudently  (CSelf)
121. Do not tire of learning  (CSelf)
122. Do not stop to be thrifty, not wasteful  ()
123. Admire oracles, respect, comply  (God, Wisdom)
124. Love whom you rear, raise  (CSelf, Family)
125. Do not oppose someone absent  (Law, Society)
126. Respect the elder  (Family)
127. Teach a youngster  (Family)
128. Do not trust in wealth  (CSelf)
129. Respect yourself  (don't settle) (CSelf)
130. Do not begin to be insolent, Don’t be the leader in insolence  ()
131. Crown your ancestors, Honor forefathers (wreathe their memorials)  (Family)
132. Die for your country, your fatherland  (CState)
133. Do not be discontented by life or the world  (CSelf)
134. Do not make fun of the dead or consider yourself superior  (CSociety)
135. Share the load of the unfortunate  (CSociety)
136. Gratify without harming  (CSelf)
137. Grieve for no one, Don’t be distressed by everything  (CSelf)
138. Beget from noble routes, Beget from good lineage (recognize your spouse’s family traits, reputation, wealth)  ()
139. Make (public) promises to no one  (CSelf)
140. Do not wrong the dead  (CSelf, Society)
141. Be well off as a mortal,e in a good state of mind (about how you fare), as much as a mortal (can be)  (CSelf, thrifty?)
142. Do not trust fortune, Do not put faith in luck (good or bad)  (CSelf, other virtues)
143. As a child be well-behaved, be a credit to your parents  (CSelf)
144. As a youth be self-disciplined  (CSelf)
145. As of middle-age be just (civilized, righteous)  (CSelf)
146. As an old man be sensible (well-spoken)  (CSelf)
147. On reaching the end be without sorrow (CSelf)

1. Follow God 
2. Obey the law 
3. Worship the Gods 
4. Respect your parents 
5. Be overcome by justice 
6. Know what you have learned 
7. Perceive what you have heard 
8. Be (or know) yourself
9. Intend to get married 
10. Know your opportunity 
11. Think as a mortal 
12. If you are a stranger act like one 
13. Honor the hearth [or Hestia] 
14. Control yourself 
15. Help your friends 
16. Control anger 
17. Exercise prudence 
18. Honor providence 
19. Do not use an oath 
20. Love friendship 
21. Cling to discipline 
22. Pursue honor 
23. Long for wisdom 
24. Praise the good 
25. Find fault with no one 
26. Praise virtue 
27. Practice what is just 
28. Be kind to friends 
29. Watch out for your enemies 
30. Exercise nobility of character 
31. Shun evil 
32. Be impartial 
33. Guard what is yours 
34. Shun what belongs to others 
35. Listen to everyone 
36. Be (religiously) silent
37. Do a favor for a friend 
38. Nothing to excess 
39. Use time sparingly 
40. Foresee the future 
41. Despise insolence 
42. Have respect for suppliants 
43. Be accommodating in everything 
44. Educate your sons 
45. Give what you have 
46. Fear deceit 
47. Speak well of everyone 
48. Be a seeker of wisdom 
49. Choose what is divine 
50. Act when you know 
51. Shun murder 
52. Pray for things possible 
53. Consult the wise 
54. Test the character 
55. Give back what you have received 
56. Down-look no one 
57. Use your skill 
58. Do what you mean to do 
59. Honor a benefaction 
60. Be jealous of no one 
61. Be on your guard 
62. Praise hope 
63. Despise a slanderer 
64. Gain possessions justly 
65. Honor good men 
66. Know the judge 
67. Master wedding-feasts 
68. Recognize fortune 
69. Flee a pledge 
70. Speak plainly 
71. Associate with your peers 
72. Govern your expenses 
73. Be happy with what you have 
74. Rever a sense of shame 
75. Fulfill a favor 
76. Pray for happiness 
77. Be fond of fortune 
78. Observe what you have heard 
79. Work for what you can own 
80. Despise strife 
81. Detest disgrace 
82. Restrain the tongue 
83. Keep yourself from insolence 
84. Make just judgments 
85. Use what you have 
86. Judge incorruptibly 
87. Accuse one who is present 
88. Tell when you know 
89. Do not depend on strength 
90. Live without sorrow 
91. Live together meekly 
92. Finish the race without shrinking back 
93. Deal kindly with everyone 
94. Do not curse your sons 
95. Rule your wife 
96. Benefit yourself 
97. Be courteous 
98. Give a timely response 
99. Struggle with glory 
100. Act without repenting 
101. Repent of sins 
102. Control the eye 
103. Give a timely counsel 
104. Act quickly 
105. Guard friendship 
106. Be grateful 
107. Pursue harmony 
108. Keep deeply the top secret 
109. Fear ruling 
110. Pursue what is profitable 
111. Accept due measure 
112. Do away with enmities 
113. Accept old age 
114. Do not boast in might 
115. Exercise 
116. Flee enmity 
117. Acquire wealth justly 
118. Do not abandon honor 
119. Despise evil 
120. Venture into danger prudently 
121. Do not tire of learning 
122. Do not stop to be thrifty 
123. Admire oracles 
124. Love whom you rear 
125. Do not oppose someone absent 
126. Respect the elder 
127. Teach a youngster 
128. Do not trust wealth 
129. Respect yourself 
130. Do not begin to be insolent 
131. Crown your ancestors 
132. Die for your country 
133. Do not be discontented by life 
134. Do not make fun of the dead 
135. Share the load of the unfortunate 
136. Gratify without harming 
137. Grieve for no one 
138. Beget from noble routes 
139. Make promises to no one 
140. Do not wrong the dead 
141. Be well off as a mortal 
142. Do not trust fortune 
143. As a child be well-behaved 
144. As a youth be self-disciplined 
145. As of middle-age be just 
146. As an old man be sensible 
147. On reaching the end be without sorrow

Follow God 
Obey the law 
Worship the Gods 
Respect your parents 
Be overcome by justice 
Know what you have learned 
Perceive what you have heard 
Be (know) yourself
Intend to get married 
Know your opportunity 
Think as a mortal 
If you are a stranger act like one 
Honor the hearth [or Hestia] 
Control yourself 
Help your friends 
Control anger 
Exercise prudence 
Honor providence 
Do not use an oath 
Love friendship 
Cling to discipline 
Pursue honor 
Long for wisdom 
Praise the good 
Find fault with no one 
Praise virtue 
Practice what is just 
Be kind to friends 
Watch out for your enemies 
Exercise nobility of character 
Shun evil 
Be impartial 
Guard what is yours 
Shun what belongs to others 
Listen to everyone 
Be (religiously) silent
Do a favor for a friend 
Nothing to excess 
Use time sparingly 
Foresee the future 
Despise insolence 
Have respect for suppliants 
Be accommodating in everything 
Educate your sons 
Give what you have 
Fear deceit 
Speak well of everyone 
Be a seeker of wisdom 
Choose what is divine 
Act when you know 
Shun murder 
Pray for things possible 
Consult the wise 
Test the character 
Give back what you have received 
Down-look no one 
Use your skill 
Do what you mean to do 
Honor a benefaction 
Be jealous of no one 
Be on your guard 
Praise hope 
Despise a slanderer 
Gain possessions justly 
Honor good men 
Know the judge 
Master wedding-feasts 
Recognize fortune 
Flee a pledge 
Speak plainly 
Associate with your peers 
Govern your expenses 
Be happy with what you have 
Rever a sense of shame 
Fulfill a favor 
Pray for happiness 
Be fond of fortune 
Observe what you have heard 
Work for what you can own 
Despise strife 
Detest disgrace 
Restrain the tongue 
Keep yourself from insolence 
Make just judgments 
Use what you have 
Judge incorruptibly 
Accuse one who is present 
Tell when you know 
Do not depend on strength 
Live without sorrow 
Live together meekly 
Finish the race without shrinking back 
Deal kindly with everyone 
Do not curse your sons 
Rule your wife 
Benefit yourself 
Be courteous 
Give a timely response 
Struggle with glory 
Act without repenting 
Repent of sins 
Control the eye 
Give a timely counsel 
Act quickly 
Guard friendship 
Be grateful 
Pursue harmony 
Keep deeply the top secret 
Fear ruling 
Pursue what is profitable 
Accept due measure 
Do away with enmities 
Accept old age 
Do not boast in might 
Exercise 
Flee enmity 
Acquire wealth justly 
Do not abandon honor 
Despise evil 
Venture into danger prudently 
Do not tire of learning 
Do not stop to be thrifty 
Admire oracles 
Love whom you rear 
Do not oppose someone absent 
Respect the elder 
Teach a youngster 
 Do not trust wealth 
Respect yourself 
Do not begin to be insolent 
Crown your ancestors 
Die for your country 
Do not be discontented by life 
Do not make fun of the dead 
Share the load of the unfortunate 
Gratify without harming 
Grieve for no one 
Beget from noble routes 
Make promises to no one 
Do not wrong the dead 
Be well off as a mortal 
Do not trust fortune 
As a child be well-behaved 
as a youth be self-disciplined 
as of middle-age be just 
as an old man be sensible 
on reaching the end – without sorrow