In the Christian life, spiritual warfare is not just external—it’s internal. The enemy works subtly, often through attitudes and desires that seem ordinary. The seven deadly sins—also known as the capital vices—are not listed as such in the Bible, but they represent a conceptual framework developed by early Christian thinkers to help believers understand the root causes of sinful behavior. The idea is that these seven attitudes or dispositions are particularly dangerous because they lead to other sins—they’re “deadly” not just in consequence, but in how they corrupt the soul and erode virtue. But for every sinful tendency, God provides a virtue through which we can overcome.
1. Pride
Pride exalts self above others—and even above God. It resists humility and invites ruin.
Scripture: James 4:6 – ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’
→ Humility
Humility bows before God and lifts others up. It recognizes that every good thing comes from above.
2. Envy
Envy resents the success or blessings of others. It breeds bitterness and division.
Scripture: Proverbs 14:30 – ‘A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.’
→ Kindness & Contentment
Contentment rejoices in what God provides. Kindness celebrates the blessings of others without comparison.
3. Wrath
Uncontrolled anger wounds deeply and distances us from peace and mercy.
Scripture: Ephesians 4:26 – ‘Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.’
→ Patience
Patience chooses peace over rage, and mercy over vengeance. It mirrors God’s long-suffering love.
4. Sloth
Spiritual laziness ignores God’s call and avoids responsibility. It withers purpose.
Scripture: Proverbs 21:25 – ‘The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor.’
→ Diligence
Diligence seeks God’s will daily. It presses forward, even when it’s difficult, because the mission matters.
5. Greed
Greed is an insatiable hunger for more—more wealth, more stuff, more status.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:10 – ‘The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.’
→ Generosity
Generosity reflects God’s heart. It gives freely, knowing everything ultimately belongs to Him.
6. Gluttony
Gluttony overindulges in food, drink, or pleasure. It feeds the flesh instead of the Spirit.
Scripture: Proverbs 23:20 – ‘Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat.’
→ Temperance / Self-Control
Self-control disciplines desire and honors the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit.
7. Lust
Lust reduces others to objects for personal gratification. It corrupts love and intimacy.
Scripture: Matthew 5:28 – ‘Everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.’
→ Chastity / Purity
Purity honors God’s design for love. It seeks wholeness in heart, mind, and body.
Conclusion: Fighting from Victory
The battle against sin is real, but so is the power of God’s Spirit within us. We don’t fight for victory—we fight from the victory already won through Christ. Put on the armor of God, walk in the Spirit, and let His virtues guard your soul against the tactics of the enemy.
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