Moral principles provide us with broad statements concerning what it means to be a good human being. They are often expressed as commands or exhortations, in part because their authors acknowledge our freedom to follow, or obey, them. “Be honest!” is a good example of a principle for guiding one’s life. “Be true to yourself,” “Be loving,” “Follow God’s commands,” and the like tell us in very general ways how to live and make our decisions. These are, the principles for a good, or moral life, exhorting a daily behavior that strives to embody these high-minded ideas. (Mark Miller, C.Ss.R. Making Moral Choices)

Principles are the most fundamental guidelines that are given to us (whether by God or in accord with nature or as discovered in traditional human wisdom). They provide the most basic direction for living our lives in ways that are called good. To be an honest person, and therefore, trustworthy, is a way of life a person must choose each day, especially when attractive opportunities for dishonesty present themselves. One may lie to gain an advantage, to protect oneself, or out of laziness or selfishness. The honest person learns how to avoid such traps and is then a living example of the principle. (Mark Miller, C.Ss.R. Making Moral Choices)