Capital sins, also known as deadly sins or cardinal sins, are considered within Christian theology to be behaviors or habits that can lead to further sin and separation from God. The idea of seven capital sins originates in the early teachings of Christianity, with scholars tracing mentions back to the 4th century Desert Fathers. While different denominations and traditions have slightly different perspectives on what constitutes a capital sin, the most commonly accepted list includes: pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath and sloth.
Pride
Pride is considered the original and most serious capital sin, from which all others arise. It is identified as believing oneself to be more important and superior to others, failing to acknowledge the accomplishments of others, and excessive admiration of the self (see Proverbs 16:5, Philippians 2:3, 1 John 2:16). A prideful attitude denies the fact that all human gifts and accomplishments ultimately come from God. It also prevents one from learning from others and can lead to efforts to impose one’s will on others. Quotes about pride in the Bible include:
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)
“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6; see also 1 Peter 5:5)
“The Lord of hosts has purposed it, to defile the pompous pride of all glory, to dishonor all the honored of the earth.” (Isaiah 23:9)
Greed
Greed refers to an excessive desire for material possessions and wealth. A greedy person prioritizes acquiring money and things over more spiritual goals. Greed can lead people to compete and become jealous of what others have. It reflects a lack of faith in God’s provision and sovereignty over one’s life and future. Bible verses about greed include:
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” (1 Timothy 6:10)
“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” (Hebrews 13:5)
Jesus told a parable warning, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15)
Lust
Lust refers to intense sexual desire and fantasies. While sexual pleasure within marriage is affirmed in the Bible, lust prioritizes physical gratification over a person’s spiritual well-being. Unchecked lust can lead to sexual sin, objectification and using others. Jesus elevated the importance of internal thoughts and motivations related to adultery, not just physical actions (Matthew 5:28). Quotes warning about lust include:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:27-28)
“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” (Colossians 3:5)
“Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18)
Envy
Envy refers to feelings of jealousy and resentment when comparing oneself to others. It stems from dissatisfaction with one’s life and what God has provided. An envious heart does not rejoice in the blessings that others receive. Bible verses warning about envy include:
“A sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones.” (Proverbs 14:30)
“Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.” (Romans 13:13)
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.” (Ephesians 5:1-5)
Gluttony
Gluttony refers to overindulgence in food or drink. Eating more than the body needs is considered wasteful and self-centered. Overeating to the point of intentional discomfort or dysfunction is dangerous. Gluttony can reflect greed, addiction and a lack of self-control. Bible verses warning about gluttony include:
Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags. (Proverbs 23:20–21)
For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. (Philippians 3:18–19)
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
Wrath
Wrath, also known as anger, refers to strong feelings of bitterness, aggression and even hatred towards others. The Bible teaches to avoid holding on to anger and to seek reconciliation in situations that provoke wrath (see Matthew 5:21-26). Unresolved anger can fester into ongoing bitterness and resentment. It reflects a lack of trust in God’s justice and mercy. Quotes about wrath in the Bible include:
“Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.” (Psalm 37:8)
“Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.” (Proverbs 14:29)
“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.” (Ephesians 4:26)
Sloth
Sloth refers to laziness, apathy and inaction. A slothful attitude resists work, effort and doing good deeds. The Bible warns against idle hands and minds, encouraging diligence and good works. Sloth can lead people to waste time and neglect responsibilities. Bible verses warning about sloth include:
“The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.” (Proverbs 15:19)
“The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor.” (Proverbs 21:25)
“And to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)
In summary, the seven capital sins considered most dangerous in Christian theology are pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath and sloth. These sinful mindsets and habits reflect imperfection, self-centeredness and estrangement from God. The antidotes are found in cultivating the fruits of the Holy Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). Through faith and the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit, Christians can overcome capital sins and walk in a manner worthy of their calling in Christ.