Question XIII: On modesty

Modesty is defined by St. Bonav. in the opusc. declaratorio term. Theologiz: Modesty is the virtue which by the shamefastness of honesty procures a pure and stable authority. The same in lib. 5. Compend. Theol. cap. 35.

This indeed is the virtue establishing moderation in human actions, especially the external manners of the body, whose three parts St. Thom. says it has, q. 143. art. unic., namely Good ordering, Ornament, and Austerity.

Good ordering establishes the measure in the external actions of the body; so that a thing either be done or not be done, or be done in that order in which it is expedient, as St. Thom. teaches, art. 1. By Ornament modesty affects things so that what is done be done comely. By Austerity, so that conversations with friends or others have a certain maturity which befits the person and the things themselves. Thus Valentia, disp. 9. quaest. 1. puncto 2.

The Holy Doctor proves and declares this, lib. 2. Phar. cap. 41., by the authorities of the Fathers. St. Ambrose, lib. 1. de offic. cap. 18.: Great is the virtue of modesty, which, though it be also somewhat more remiss of its own right, usurps nothing to itself, claims nothing for itself: And cap. 43.: In modesty especially are regarded and sought the tranquillity of the mind, the study of mildness, the grace of moderation, the care of honesty, the consideration of comeliness. St. Augustine, de vita beata, disp. 3.: Modesty is so called from measure, as temperance from temperature: where there is measure and temperature, nothing is more, and nothing less. See other things there.