INTRODUCTION:

A. Proverbs 31:10-31.
 1. Introduction (v. 10).
 2. Discussion (vv. 11-27).
  a. Duty (vv. 12-16).
  b. Determination (vv. 18-27).
  c. Courage (v. 17).
 3. Conclusion (vv. 28-31).  This passage furnishes us with the topics for our study.
B. Virtue is defined as:
 1. A moral kind of beauty, one belonging to the disposition and will.  Virtue is beauty, and    beauty is harmony.
 2. A thought is virtuous when it is an expression of disinterested  benevolence, an act is 
  virtuous when it rests upon the motive of love.
 3. Any excellence of a person, an eminent endowment, property or quality.
 4. A virtuous life is based upon proper thinking, speaking, and acting.
 5. To unite with God’s purposes and consent to see that they are carried out for the benefit 
  of all men.
 6. It was perfected in Christ Himself as were all other good qualities.
 7. It is a Greek word that stands for every kind of moral  excellence.
 8. In the Hebrew Old Testament, it bears five meanings.
  a. Strength, power, might; to shew oneself strong, to display valour 
   (Psalms 18:32,39; 33:16; Numbers 24:18; Psalms 60:12; 108:13).
  b. Forces, a host (Exodus 14:28; II Samuel 24:2; Deuteronomy 3:18; 
   I Samuel 14:52; Psalm 110:3).
  c. Ability (Genesis 34:29; Job 20:15; Deuteronomy 8:17,18;       Ruth 4:11; Proverbs 31:29).
  d. Virtue, uprightness, integrity, also fitness (Genesis 47:6; 
   Exodus 18:21,25; Ruth 3:11; Proverbs 12:4; 31:10; I Kings 1:52).
  e. The strength of a tree (Joel 2:22; Job 31:25).
 9. We conclude, then, that virtue is STRENGTH OF CHARACTER!
C. It may be broken down into three parts (duty, determination, and courage). 

DISCUSSION:

I. DUTY.

 A. It is seen in Moses: Prime minister or wanderer.
  1. Exodus 2:11-21; Chapters 3,4.
  2. For us:
   a. Ephesians 6:6.
   b. Romans 13:12,13.
 B. It is seen in Joseph:  Purity.
  1. Genesis 39.
  2. For us:
   a. Ephesians 5:3,4.
   b. I Corinthians 6:19,20.
 C. It is seen in Christ:   He knew what His duty was.
  1. John 6:38.
  2. For us:
   a. Philippians 4:8.
   b. Luke 17:10.
 D. Summary:  Virtue is knowing what your duty is. 
  D. Summary:  Virtue is knowing what your duty is. 

II. DETERMINATION. 

 A. It is seen in Elisha (II Kings 6:8-23).
  1. Wickedness thwarted (vv. 8-12).
  2. Timidity dispelled (vv. 13-17).
  3. Supernatural power manifested (v. 18).
  4. Revenge overcome (vv. 19-23).
 B. It is seen in Christ.
  1. Luke 2:49.
  2. John 4:34.
  3. John 17:4.
  4. John 19:30.
 C. Lessons for us.
  1. We need to make a commitment (Joshua 24:15).
  2. We need to recognize that the Christian life encompasses       every minute of every day (Romans 12:1,2). 
  3. We need to follow the path of Christ where ever it leads       (Matthew 16:24).
 D. Summary:  Virtue is determination; deciding we are going to follow the Lord. 

III. COURAGE.

 A. It is seen in Jonathan.
  1. He could be king - son of Saul.
  2. He could be a friend (I Samuel 20:30-34).
 B. It is seen in Christ.
  1. Matthew 4:1-11.
  2. Matthew 26:1-27:50.
 C. Lessons for us.
  1. A steady, persistent course of life will be victorious 
         (II Timothy 4:6-8).
  2. Recognizing the importance of the Christian’s calling 
   helps us to stand (Ephesians 4:1-16; 6:10-13).
  3. Recognizing that the Lord is on our side helps us to stand  
   (Joshua 1:7; Hebrews 13:5,6). 
 D. Summary:  Virtue is courage; standing for what is right.

CONCLUSION:

 When these three things, which make virtue (duty, determination, and courage) are cultivated in 
 the Christian’s life, he then has STRENGTH OF CHARACTER, which indeed is a proper definition  of virtue.
B. When virtue is coupled with faith, we are reminded of Job; one who trusted God and stood for the  truth (Job 1:8).
C. Christian, do you have virtue?  Do you have strength of character? Do you know your duty?  Have  you determined to do the will of the Lord?  Have you the courage to stand for that conviction?
D. Are you a Christian?
 
 

         Skip Andrews