According to Roman Catholic theology, the seven deadly sins are the seven behaviors or feelings that inspire further sin. They are typically ordered as pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth. Pride is considered the original and worst of the seven deadly sins on almost every list, the most demonic.
These sins reflect a set of behaviors believed to lead individuals down a path of moral degradation and separation from divine grace within the Catholic tradition.
Pride involves an excessive belief in one's abilities, leading to arrogance and a lack of humility.
Greed is characterized by an insatiable desire for wealth or possessions, prioritizing material gain over spiritual or moral values.
Lust involves intense or inappropriate sexual desires or cravings, seen as a distortion of the natural and sacred aspects of human sexuality when driven by selfish or impure motives.
Envy arises from feelings of discontent or resentment towards others' success, possessions, or qualities, leading to negative emotions and actions born out of jealousy.
Gluttony is associated with overindulgence, particularly in the consumption of food or drink, representing an imbalance in the pursuit of physical pleasures.
Wrath involves intense and uncontrolled feelings of anger, often leading to destructive behavior, considered a corrosive emotion that can harm both the individual harboring it and those around them.
Sloth, or acedia, is a spiritual or emotional apathy that leads to neglect of one's duties and responsibilities, representing a lack of motivation and diligence in pursuing a virtuous life.
These seven deadly sins serve as a framework for understanding and addressing human weaknesses and moral failings within the Catholic moral tradition. The teachings emphasize the importance of cultivating virtues that counteract these sins, such as humility, charity, chastity, kindness, temperance, patience, and diligence, to guide individuals toward a more virtuous and spiritually fulfilling life.