What Is The Seven Deadly Sins?
The Seven Deadly Sins, known in Latin as the septem capitales peccata, are a list of behaviors commonly regarded as the most destructive tendencies exhibited by humans. The traditional list consists of Wrath, Greed, Sloth, Pride, Lust, Envy, and Gluttony. In describing the Seven Deadly Sins, the church has traditionally considered it to be more important to recognize and guard against them than championing any virtues.
Where Is The Seven Deadly Sins Found In The Bible?
The Seven Deadly Sins were given their penultimate form in the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas in the 13th century. They were loosely based on the teachings of Christian tradition up to that point. However, the concept of sins predates Christianity and has roots in Ancient Greek, Hebrew and Islamic scripture.
The books of Proverbs and the book of Ecclesiastes contain extremely relevant passages that discuss the deadly sins in almost exact terms. Specific stories in the Bible can also be linked to particular sins, although the Bible may not necessarily attribute the action being discussed to one of the Seven Deadly Sins. For example, the rising of Absalom against King David can be viewed as a story of Pride. Rachel’s desire to bear children is seen as a story of Wrath. While the Bible does not explicitly mention the Seven Deadly Sins, some form of the concept does appear in scripture, showing that the concept is older than Christianity itself.
Applying The Bible To The Deadly Sins
In applying the Bible to the Deadly Sins, it is important to remember that in the Bible, the line between a human fault and deadly sin is not always obvious. Many of the stories in the Bible are more symbolic than they are blatantly literal. Therefore, when seeking to identify a particular sin in scripture, the primary question should always be asked: what is the moral lesson that the Bible is teaching?
Moral lessons are often set up by contrasting the action of a character with the desired right course of action. In seeking to answer this question, it is important to remain open-minded to the idea that a given story may not necessarily explicitly mention which Deadly Sin is being discussed. Therefore, one should consider the consequences of the action itself, as well as the motivations from which it was undertaken, in attempting to identify a specific sin portrayed in the Bible.
The Bible As A Guide
The Bible has great potential to be a guide to recognize and guard against the Seven Deadly Sins. By recognizing moral lessons in stories and incorporating insights from Christian and other non-literal traditions, the Bible offers useful strategies for successfully and responsibly managing the same destructive tendencies in ourselves.
For example, the Bible’s great themes of humility and meekness, as set forth in the parable of the sower are effective antidotes to the problem of Pride. Similarly, the story of Esther speaks strongly of the importance of standing up against injustice and the complacency of Sinful behavior, which is specifically relevant to the topic of Wrath. Each Deadly Sin has a story in the Bible that provides insight into a moral lesson that speaks against actions that might lead to its manifestation.
The Foundation For Wisdom
In addition to being instructive and relevant to the modern world, the Bible provides a foundation for wisdom to help in recognizing and managing the Seven Deadly Sins. The most effective way to acknowledge, deal with, and prevent destructive behavior is to first recognize that it exists. The Bible does this, using narrative to teach the dangers of certain behaviors. Additionally, the Bible provides guidance in understanding why such inclinations are destructive and what steps need to be taken to prevent them from growing into greater problems.
Furthermore, by recognizing how certain acts are explicitly seen as sinful by the Bible and by viewing the moral lessons inherent in its narrative, one can choose to forgo even the temptation of such behaviors. Therefore, the biblical understanding of the Seven Deadly Sins can provide individuals with the knowledge and moral understanding required to responsibly guard against its dangers in everyday life.
Wrath and Pride in the Bible
Wrath and pride are two of the seven deadly sins seen frequently in the Bible. The book of Proverbs is full of references to these sins, with the writers emphasizing the importance of not giving into these negative behaviors but instead taking a path of humility. The book of Job also speaks heavily on these two sins, highlighting the consequences of giving into temptation and pride.
The story of Absalom is a direct reference to the sin of pride. The story of Gideon illustrates the effects of getting angry and letting our emotions overtake our better judgment. The story of King Saul shows the need to recognize our own humanity and to be careful with our choices. In each of these stories, the consequences of committing to the sins of wrath and pride are seen, emphasizing the need for temperance and humility.
Sloth and Greed in The Bible
Sloth and greed are two other sins that are seen in the Bible frequently. The book of Proverbs warns us of the consequences of these sins and the need to be diligent and not simply recklessly seek after riches. The story of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife is a warning against the sin of lust and Greed and the subsequent consequences of giving into them.
The temptation of the Israelites in the wilderness is a direct reference to sloth. Many of the prohibitions of Hebrew Law also spoke against coveting material possessions and living a lifestyle of excess. These stories serve to emphasize the negative effects of giving into Sloth and greed and provide reminders to focus our energies elsewhere, such as where they can truly benefit ourselves and those around us.
Envy and Gluttony in The Bible
Envy and gluttony are two other sins referred to in the Bible. The book of Proverbs warns us to stay away from these behaviors and serve as a stark reminder of their deadly consequences. The stories of Joseph and his brothers and Abraham and Lot provide examples of how envy and gluttony can lead to destructive behavior, showing the need for temperance and justice in our daily lives.
Furthermore, the stories of Esther and Ruth emphasize the importance of keeping our desires in check and restraining ourselves from abusing the privileges that come with power. The passages in Hebrew Law that address situations related to consuming forbidden food and activities also speak to the need to manage our urges and carefully consider consequences of our decisions.
Summary of The Bible’s Perspective on The Deadly Sins
In sum, the Bible’s perspective on the seven deadly sins is both instructional and practical. The stories, laws, and moral lessons found in scripture provide numerous examples of the consequences of committing such sins and useful strategies for managing them responsibly in everyday life. By recognizing the destructive potential of these behaviors, and with an open heart to the moral lessons inherent in their stories, the Bible can serve as an effective guide for managing the Seven Deadly Sins.
