Romans 6:23 ~ For the wages of sin is death.
The seven deadly sins aren’t exclusively labelled as such in the Bible even though all seven sins are mentioned in several parts of the Bible. The Bible does not signify which specific sins are “deadly” just that sin in general will result in death.
James 1:15 ~ These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.
1. Pride
Pride as a sin is rooted in arrogance. An inflated sense of self worth, power and diminishing the role of God. It seeks to put itself above others, which often includes not acknowledging the influence of God. It is something God detests and is seen as the root of all sin, from satan’s fall from heaven to Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden.
Not only does God hate this sin but it is something he punishes people for as seen in the story of King Nebuchadnezzer of Babylon and his son (Daniel 5:18-30).
Proverbs 8:13 ~ All who fear the LORD will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech
Proverbs 16:5 ~ Everyone who is proud in heart is detestable to the LORD; be assured that he will not go unpunished.
2. Greed
Isaiah 57:17 ~ I was enraged by their sinful greed; I punished them, and hid my face in anger, yet they kept on in their willful ways.
Greed is the selfish desire to have more and never being satisfied with what you have especially at a cost to others. Micah 2 is dedicated to condemning people like this and the punishment God will invoke upon them.
Greed can look like:
- Hoarding money while others go hungry or are cheated which the Bible speaks against.
James 5:3-4 ~ Your gold and silver are corroded. The very wealth you were counting on will eat away your flesh like fire. This corroded treasure you have hoarded will testify against you on the day of judgment. For listen! Hear the cries of the field workers whom you have cheated of their pay. The cries of those who harvest your fields have reached the ears of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
- Being dishonest or unethical to get ahead
Proverbs15:27 ~ He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household, but he who hates bribes will live.
Proverbs 11:1 ~ The LORD detests the use of dishonest scales, but he delights in accurate weights.
- Never feeling satisfied, even when you have plenty
- Coveting things that others have even if you have your own
Exodus 20:17~ You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.
Money, power and other earthly possessions are evil, but when you love it too much, it starts driving your decisions and values which will result in sin.
Colossians 3:5 ~ Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.
3. Envy
This is similar to some of aspects of greed. It is an unpleasant feeling that comes from noticing someone else has something you want, and wishing it were yours instead. It’s covetousness and the Bible openly condemns it.
Galatians 5:21 ~ envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
4. Gluttony
Gluttony is an overconsumption of something. People often attribute gluttony to the overconsumption of food or drinks which can harm the body in the long run, therefore making it a sin as the Bible says the human body is a temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19) and harming it in anyway is dishonouring God.
1 Corinthians 6:20 ~ for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.
This verse in particular refers to sexual sin being a destructive sin against the body, but since gluttony (in terms of food and drinks) can also destroy the body, it is also seen as destroying the temple of God and dishonouring him.
There are verses in proverbs that condemn gluttons and drunkards and tells us to stay away from them
Proverbs 28:7 ~ Whoever keeps the law is a discerning son, But a companion of gluttons shames his father
5. Lust
Lust is most commonly associated with a strong sexual desire. Lust goes beyond attraction, it is an intense need for sexual gratification outside of marriage. It is sexual immorality and is one of the most spoken about sins in the Bible.
Matthew 5:28 ~ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
1 Thessalonians 4:3 ~ God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin.
6. Wrath
Wrath is an intense feeling of anger followed by a desire for vengeance, typically a destructive or violent kind. Giving in to wrath can lead to sin, for example, physical harming someone or destroying their life and besides, revenge is something God tells us to leave to him.
Romans 12:19 ~ Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
Matthew 5:22 ~ But I say to you that everyone who continues to be angry with his brother or harbors malice against him shall be guilty before the court; and whoever speaks [contemptuously and insultingly] to his brother, ‘Raca (You empty-headed idiot)!’ shall be guilty before the supreme court (Sanhedrin); and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of the fiery hell.
7. Sloth
The Cambridge dictionary defines sloth as an unwillingness to move or make any effort. This includes laziness, idleness and apathy in any area of life. It’s a lack of doing what you’re supposed to do and this is something the Bible speaks against. Being slothful can lead to ruin, delay and dishonouring several of God’s commands.
Proverbs 18:9 ~ Whoever is slothful in his work is brother to him who destroys.
James 4:17 ~ Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.
