Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:6-9 ESV)
Repetition is a reminder. There is no doubt in Joshua's mind here what he should do and be; he was to be courageous as a leader of God's people. But virtues like courage are never to be taken in a void; they are never to overpower other virtues that keep it in check. Like submission to God's will and Word. Without that balance, Joshua could have recklessly entered the land, killing people without thought or reason. We indeed were created to be courageous, but not in a void. The other virtues of Christlikeness round us off so our lives are pleasing to Him. Be courageous, be courteous, be pure.
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