"There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers" (Proverbs 6:16-19).
The seven deadly sins also known as the cardinal sins. They are behaviors or habits that initiates other immoralities. They are pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony, and sloth. This list of seven deadly sins, they do not appear in the Bible as "seven deadly sins," but they are sins. Galatians 5:19-21 mentions several more sins to be on guard against: "Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."
Lust is an intense longing. It is a thought to have an intense desire or need. It not only includes sexual desire but also a strong desire to have more money or power. "...abstain from fleshy lusts, which war against the soul" 1 Peter 2:11. Abstinence and self-control cures lust by controlling our own body in holiness and honor.
Gluttony is the overindulgence and over consumption of anything to the point of waste. This word derives from the Latin gluttire, to gulp down or swallow. "For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty..." Proverbs 23:21. Temperance is taking all things in moderation and to the point of goodness.
Greed is like lust and gluttony, but it is a sin of desire. Greed is a sin against God. Greed is the desire and pursuit of material possessions. Hoarding of materials or objects, theft and robbery, especially by means of violence, trickery, or manipulation that is inspired by greed. "Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness" Ephesians 4:19. Generosity is giving time, talents, and gifts freely; realizing no material thing is more important than God.
Sloth is the absence of interest. In other words, it's being lazy. Being lazy spiritually, physically, or mentally. Spiritually, becoming indifferent to their duties and obligation to God. Physically, as an expression to laziness and idleness. Mentally, as a lack of any feeling about self or others. "The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat" Proverbs 13:4. Diligence is following God's will and caring for others, even if it means sacrificing your comfort.
Wrath can be defined as uncontrolled feelings of anger, rage, and even hatred. Wrath often reveals itself in the desire to seek vengeance. Feelings of wrath can manifest into different ways, including impatience, hateful, revenge, and self-destructive behavior. "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord" Romans 12:19. Meekness is acting with patience, mercy, and charity, especially when solving problems and dealing with others.
Envy, like greed and lust, is characterized by an insatiable desire. It can be described as a sad or resentful covetousness towards the traits or possessions of someone else. "Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings" 1 Peter 2:1. Kindness is wishing the best for others. Kindness cures envy.
Pride is considered the most serious of the seven deadly sins. It is identified as dangerously corrupt selfishness, the putting of one's own desires, urges, wants, and whims before the welfare of other people. Pride has been labelled the father of all sins. It has been deemed the devil's most prominent trait. It has been called the sin which all other sins arises. "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall" Proverbs 16:18. Humility is selflessness. Recognizing that all good qualities are gifts from God.
Virtues helps us overcome these sins. Rather than focusing on the sins, which bogs down our spiritual life, virtues helps us break the sin bonds.
Each of these sins goes against what God desires of us and is against God. God is love and He desires for us to love our fellow man and love ourselves.
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