The seven deadly sins are a group of behaviors and attitudes that are considered among the most sinful and immoral according to Christian teachings. Though not directly taken from scripture, they have been used in Christian teachings for centuries as a way to identify and speak against tendencies that are considered especially spiritually dangerous or harmful. The seven sins are pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath and sloth.
Pride
Pride is considered the original and most serious of the seven deadly sins. It is identified as believing that one is essentially better than others, failing to acknowledge the accomplishments of others, and excessive admiration of the self. Pride is associated with arrogance, conceit, narcissism, and treating others with disdain or condescension. In the Bible, pride is condemned in passages like Proverbs 16:18 which warns that “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Pride is also viewed as a form of idolatry, as it places the self above God. When feeling prideful, one is committing the sin of viewing oneself as god-like and deserving of worship. This discounts the primacy and power of God. The Bible points to the story of Nebuchadnezzar found in Daniel 4 as an example of the downfall pride can bring. As punishment for his pride, Nebuchadnezzar lost his sanity and lived like an animal for seven years. This story illustrates how pride can literally bring destruction.
Greed
Greed refers to an excessive pursuit of material goods and wealth. A greedy person prioritizes gaining possessions over anything else. Greed is associated with avarice, cupidity, covetousness, and miserliness. In the Bible, greed is condemned in passages like Luke 12:15 which states “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Greed goes against the tenth commandment which forbids coveting anything that belongs to one’s neighbor. Greed also reflects a lack of faith in God’s provision. A greedy person tries to find security in accumulating more rather than trusting that God will meet their needs. While money itself is not inherently evil, loving money too much results in all kinds of sin and evil as explained in 1 Timothy 6:10 which warns that “the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil”. Greed can utterly corrupt people, as they begin valuing material wealth over spiritual health or the well-being of others.
Lust
Lust refers to sinful desires, particularly desiring sex or physical pleasures in a disordered way. It often involves objectifying others and valuing them solely for one’s own sexual pleasure. Lust is linked to adultery, fornication and rape. In the Bible, Jesus emphasizes in the Sermon on the Mount that lustful intentions can be just as sinful as physical acts. Matthew 5:28 states “Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Lust is considered dangerous because it can so easily lead to other bodily sins. Passages like 1 Peter 2:11 instruct Christians to “abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul”. Unchecked lust can negatively consume a person, eroding their character and morality. Sexual desire itself is not considered inherently sinful. Lust specifically refers to sexual craving that becomes an obsession, persists after its satisfaction, or impels actions violating other commandments or behavior standards. Basically, lust is misplaced or inappropriate desire of an excessive and self-indulgent nature.
Envy
Envy refers to feelings of resentment, bitterness and discontentment directed at others’ traits, status, abilities or possessions. An envious person begrudges others’ success or advantages. Envy is associated with jealousy, covetousness and competitiveness. In the Bible, envy is condemned in passages like Proverbs 14:30 which warns that “a heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” Envy is viewed as destructive, even among believers. James 3:14-16 cautions that “if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.” An envious heart is not at peace. Envy can lead people to undermine others and break relationships. Envy also goes against the tenth commandment prohibiting coveting anything that belongs to one’s neighbor. The cure for envy according to the Bible is developing contentment and gratitude for what one has rather than resentment over what others have.
Gluttony
Gluttony refers to overindulgence or even addiction in relation to food and drink. A glutton regularly eats and drinks in excess, consuming more than necessary to the point of waste. Gluttony is linked to evil traits like drunkenness, selfishness, and lack of self-control. In the Bible, gluttony is condemned in passages like Proverbs 23:21 which declares the glutton will become poor. Passages like Philippians 3:19 condemn those whose god is their belly. Gluttony reflects greed not just for money but also food. It can reflect indifference to others’ needs and excessive self-focus on one’s earthly appetites rather than spiritual state. Gluttony is considered a sin because it indulges physical pleasures at the expense of spiritual growth. It also wastes resources excessively that could be used to help others. Gluttony is dangerous because it can so easily lead to a lack of sobriety or relying on substances rather than God.
Wrath
Wrath refers to strong vengeful anger, indignation, or rage. Wrath often leads to desiring and seeking revenge. A wrathful person refuses to forgive or let go of their anger and desire for vengeance. The Bible condemns wrath in passages like James 1:20 which instructs believers to “be slow to anger, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” Wrath goes against Jesus’ teaching to turn the other cheek and the instruction in Romans 12:19 to “never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God.” Wrath is considered very dangerous because it can so quickly lead to violence against others or hatred. It reflects a lack of self-control and giving in to one’s base anger impulses. Wrath also leads to ongoing conflict rather than resolution. It prevents inner peace and interpersonal reconciliation. The Bible instead encourages responding to wrongs with love and seeking justice in constructive rather than destructive ways.
Sloth
Sloth refers to excessive laziness, idleness, and indifference. A slothful person is chronically lazy, passive, careless and lacking diligence. The Bible condemns slothfulness in passages like Proverbs 13:4 which declares “a sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.” Sloth prevents people from working to their potential. It leads to wasting time and neglecting responsibilities. Most dangerously, spiritual sloth reflects apathy and indifference toward God. It is linked to boredom with righteous living and lack of concern over sin. Spiritual sloth is essentially spiritual neglect and indifference. It can lead to lack of prayer, church attendance or obedience. The Bible instead calls people to sobriety, diligence and fervent spiritual devotion. Passages like Revelation 3:19 warn that Jesus will discipline those he loves if they are lukewarm in their faith rather than zealous.
In summary, the seven deadly sins provide a classification of behaviors and attitudes that are considered spiritually dangerous and deeply harmful according to Christian teachings. Though not directly taken from scripture, they have become ingrained in teachings over many centuries. The seven sins are pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath and sloth. Each represents an area where human nature tends toward selfish excess rather than moderation and self-control. The Bible contains countless passages condemning these sins and instead calling people to live by the holy virtues empowered by the Spirit of God. The seven deadly sins remain a useful framework for self-evaluation and repudiating tendencies that lead people into all kinds of personal and social evils according to the Christian worldview. Examining oneself in light of these seven sins can help reveal areas needing repentance, restoration and spiritual growth.