Virtuous, Noble, and Godly....

Today for school, I had to define the words "virtuous", "noble", and "godly", all used in the Proverbs 31:10-31 text. I was supposed to write the definitions for them from a modern dictionary, then compare them to Webster's 1828 dictionary. Turned out quit interesting!

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Virtuous

Modern Definition:

1. Conforming to moral and ethical principles 
2. Morally excellent 
3. Upright 
4. Chaste 

Webster's 1828 definition:

1. Morally good 
2. Living according to God's rules 
3. Having great qualities 

The difference: Older version says living according to “divine law”, or God's rules, where as new version just says “conforming to moral principles”.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/virtuous
http://www.1828-dictionary.com/d/search/word,virtuous



Noble

Modern Definition:

1. Distinguished by rank or title 
2. Of an exalted moral or mental character or excellence 

Webster's 1828 definition: 

1. Being above everything that can dishonor 
2. Free, generous, liberal 

The difference: Older version says “being above everything that can dishonor”, where as new version just says “of an exalted moral character”.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/noble
http://www.1828-dictionary.com/d/search/word,noble


Godly

Modern Definition:

1. Conforming to the laws and wishes of God; devout; pious. 
2. Coming from God; divine. 

Webster's 1828 definition: 

1. Living in obedience to God's commands, from a principle of love to him and reverence of his character and precepts; religious; righteous; as a godly person. 
2. Pious; conformed to God's law; as a godly life. 

The difference: Older version says, “living in obedience to God's commands”, while the new version just says “conforming to the laws and wishes of God”.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/godly
http://www.1828-dictionary.com/d/search/word,godly