<P> To the virtue of temperance, no Gift is directly assigned; but the gift of fear can be taken as such, since fear drives somebody to restrict himself from forbidden pleasures . </P> <P> The Rev. Brian Shanley contrasts the gifts to the virtues this way: "What the gifts do over and above the theological virtues (which they presuppose) is dispose the agent to the special promptings of the Holy Spirit in actively exercising the life of the virtues; the gifts are necessary for the perfect operations of the virtues, especially in the face of our human weakness and in difficult situations ." </P> <P> Saint Augustine drew a connection between the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the Beatitudes (Matt. 5: 3 - 12). </P> <Ul> <Li> Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven, reflects Fear of the Lord as the "poor in spirit" are the humble and God - fearing . </Li> <Li> Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted, corresponds to the Gift of Knowledge, as for Augustine the knowledge of God brings both an increased awareness of personal sin, and to some extent grieving at the abandonment of practices and activities that separate one from God . </Li> <Li> Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land, relates to Piety . </Li> <Li> Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied, pertains to Fortitude . </Li> <Li> Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy demonstrates the Gift of Counsel . </Li> <Li> Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God, the Gift of Understanding . </Li> <Li> Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God, Wisdom . </Li> <Li> Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven . </Li> </Ul>

The meaning of the 7 gifts of the holy spirit