As Area 11's song "Homunculus" lists, the Seven Deadly Sins are "lust, and pride, and gluttony, envy, wrath, and sloth, and greed."
Evargius Ponticus, a monk who lived during the fourth century, was the first person to have indicated eight evils that one should resist. Then in the late 500s, the Seven Deadly Sins were identified by Pope Gregory I, a revised version of Ponticus's eight evils. In the early church, the Seven Deadly Sins were considered cardinal sins and therefore were taught as not forgivable. However, the Bible notes that God forgives almost all sins. Nearly every sin can be categorized as one of the deadly seven.
Contrary to popular belief, the deadly sins are not explicitly listed in the Bible. However, all seven are addressed throughout the Scripture.
Lust
Lust is defined as an inordinate desire for the pleasures of the body. It is written in Scripture as follows: "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:28).
Gluttony
Gluttony is defined as an inordinate craving for food and drink, more than one requires to consume.
It is written in Scripture as follows: "for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags" (Proverbs 23:21).
Envy
Envy is defined as the resentful awareness of another's advantage and a desire for that same advantage. It is written in Scripture as follows: "Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation" (1 Peter 2:1-2).
Wrath
Wrath, also known as anger, is defined as strong and vengeful indignation, or choosing fury instead of love. It is written in Scripture as follows: "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" (Proverbs 15:1).
Sloth
Sloth, also known as laziness, is defined as the avoidance of activity or exertion in physical or spiritual work. It is written in Scripture as follows: "The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway" (Proverbs 15:19).
Greed
Greed, also known as avarice or covetousness, is defined as the desire for worldly material wealth or gain and the neglect of the spiritual. It is written in Scripture as follows: "Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more" (Ephesians 4:19).
Pride
Pride, also known as vanity, is defined as an inordinate, excessive belief in one's own abilities. It is called the "sin from which all others arise" and the "deadliest sin," as it is able to taint any virtue. Pride was also the first sin in the universe according to the story of Lucifer, when an archangel who harbored much pride attempted to make himself the "Most High" (above God). It is written in Scripture as follows: "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18).
In the book of Proverbs, there are seven detestable sins listed. A passage states, "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). Some of these sins share similarities to the deadly seven but not all seven are part of this passage.
Although the church teaches that God forgives nearly all sins, this does not mean one can freely commit these sins without consequence. The only sin that cannot be forgiven, according to the Bible, is the rebellion against God, also known as the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. This sin, dubbed the unpardonable sin, was committed by the archangel Lucifer when he led an army of fallen angels to overthrow God.
Whether you believe in a religion or not, the Seven Deadly Sins have been widely referenced in literature and media for centuries. They may make you reflect on and be more wary of your actions towards yourself and other people. The main idea is to be kind to everyone you meet, even when nobody is watching!
