Franklin's 13 Virtues: Timeless Wisdom Rediscovered

When we think about historical figures that were wise, there are a number of standouts. However, if we restrict this to only Americans, one man stands apart. Benjamin Franklin was a man of wit and common-sense. He remains the archetype of the Renaissance Man, someone multi-talented and multi-faceted.  His annual publication, Poor Richard’s Almanack served as a wealth of wisdom for 25 years, starting in 1732.

If much of Franklin’s wisdom sounds familiar, it is because it has permeated American society. In examining Franklin’s writings (especially the 13 Virtues elucidated in his biography) we find that his wisdom is based on scripture.  Franklin’s virtues, as writ, are God’s virtues. This doesn’t discredit Franklin in any way, but rather serves to lend credence to his claims. Christians know that God is the source of wisdom (Proverbs 2:6) and that all scripture has a purpose related to our education (II Timothy 3:16). Knowing this, we can place our faith in the value of the Word. This also gives us a fuller appreciation of Franklin’s virtues, included below with appropriate references to scripture:

1. Temperance. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.

Scriptural basis – Proverbs 23:20-21
 Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags

2. Silence. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.

Scriptural Basis – Proverbs 10:19

In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

3. Order. Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.

Scriptural Basis – I Corinthians 14:33

For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

4. Resolution. Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.

Scriptural Basis – I Corinthians 15:58

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

5. Frugality. Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.

Scriptural Basis – John 6:11-12

And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.

6. Industry. Lose no time; be always employ'd in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.

Scriptural Basis – Colossians 3:23-24

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

7. Sincerity. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.

Scriptural Basis – Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

8. Justice. Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.

Scriptural Basis – Leviticus 25:17

Ye shall not therefore oppress one another; but thou shalt fear thy God: for I am the Lord your God.


9. Moderation. Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.

Scriptural Basis – I Corinthians 6:12
All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

10. Cleanliness. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloaths, or habitation.

Scriptural Basis – Leviticus 15 (Entire Chapter)

11. Tranquillity. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.

Scriptural Basis – John 14:1-2

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

12. 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.

Scriptural Basis – I Corinthians 6:18
Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.

13. Humility. Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

Scriptural Basis – Ephesians 5:1-2
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.