7 Deadly Sins of the Bible in Detail

The Bible teaches us that sin is not simply wrongdoing but a separation between humanity and God. Sin corrupts both spirit and society, distorting the divine image within us. Among the many forms of sin described in Scripture, seven have traditionally been recognized as especially destructive to the soul.

These are known as the Seven Deadly Sins. They represent the root causes of moral decay and vices that distort character, fuel rebellion against God, and destroy relationships with others.

Here they are

1. Pride

Pride is the excessive belief in one’s own abilities, achievements, or worth, often leading to a sense of superiority over others. In Christian theology, pride is considered the foundation of all other sins because it causes people to reject God’s authority and exalt themselves.

In Scripture, pride led to Satan’s downfall, as described in Isaiah 14:12–15, and to humanity’s fall in the Garden of Eden. Pride manifests as arrogance, self-glorification, and a refusal to acknowledge dependence on God. The book of Proverbs warns that “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). Pride blocks repentance, distorts judgment, and hardens the heart against correction. It undermines humility and breeds rebellion against divine order.

2. Envy

Envy is a resentful longing for what others possess: whether wealth, success, relationships, or influence. Unlike jealousy, which fears losing something one already has, envy covets what belongs to someone else and resents their blessing.

Scripture condemns envy as a poison to the soul. James 3:14–16 warns that “where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” Envy motivated Cain to murder his brother Abel (Genesis 4:3–8), and it was envy that drove the religious leaders to hand Jesus over to Pilate (Mark 15:10).

Envy corrodes gratitude and contentment. It blinds us to our own blessings and drives a wedge between people, leading to resentment and bitterness.

3. Wrath

Wrath is uncontrolled anger, rage, or hatred that erupts in destructive words or actions. Although righteous anger can exist such as God’s anger toward injustice; wrath crosses into sin when anger becomes vengeful or unrestrained.

Ephesians 4:26 cautions, “Be angry and do not sin.” Wrath dismisses patience, forgiveness, and reason, replacing them with aggression and retaliation. It escalates conflict, destroys trust, and blinds the heart to mercy. Jesus warned that even harboring hatred in one’s heart is akin to murder (Matthew 5:21–22). Wrath imprisons the soul and prevents reconciliation, peace, and healing.

4. Sloth

Sloth is spiritual and moral laziness; the refusal to act or to care about one’s duties toward God, others, or oneself. It is not merely physical idleness; it is apathy toward virtue and spiritual growth.

Proverbs 13:4 declares, “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.” Sloth drains purpose and vitality from life. It leads to procrastination, neglect of responsibilities, and spiritual decay. In the Christian life, sloth is the quiet killer of zeal. It withers faith by dulling desire for prayer, service, and love.

5. Greed

Greed, sometimes called avarice, is an unrestrained desire for material gain or power. It is rooted in distrust of God’s provision and an obsession with control.

Scripture warns that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). Greed compels people to exploit others, hoard resources, and measure worth by possessions. Jesus warned, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions” (Luke 12:15). Greed blinds the heart to generosity and shifts devotion from God to wealth, turning prosperity into an idol.

6. Gluttony

Gluttony is the excessive indulgence in food, drink, or pleasure beyond what is needed for health or sustenance. More broadly, it symbolizes lack of self-control and overindulgence in worldly comforts.

Paul wrote about those “whose god is their belly” (Philippians 3:19). Gluttony dulls spiritual appetite and fosters selfishness. It teaches the heart to seek comfort in excess rather than in God’s presence. Beyond physical consumption, gluttony includes emotional or digital overindulgence and filling emptiness with distraction instead of discipline.

7. Lust

Lust is the disordered desire for sexual pleasure apart from God’s design. It objectifies others and turns intimacy into consumption. Lust is not limited to physical acts; it includes fantasies, habits, or media that inflame desire in sinful ways.

Jesus made this clear when He said, “Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28). Lust cheapens love, destroys marriages, and devalues the sacredness of the body. It replaces covenant with craving, leaving emptiness where intimacy should dwell.