What does the Bible say about the Seven Deadly Sins?
- Ken Mettler
- Jan 15
- 6 min read
The Seven Deadly Sins
Although we are not doing a series on the 7 deadly sins on Sundays, #6 is this Sunday's topic.
Lust: Excessive desire for sexual gratification.
Gluttony: Overindulgence or overconsumption of food or drink.
Greed: Excessive desire for material wealth or possessions.
Sloth: Laziness, avoidance of work or duty.
Wrath: Intense and uncontrolled anger or hatred.
Envy: Jealousy or resentment towards others' success or possessions. (This Sunday's topic)
Pride: Excessive belief in one's abilities or qualities; it is often considered the root of all other sins.
These sins are seen as particularly destructive to the soul and are called "deadly" because they can lead to spiritual death if not repented and forgiven.
Meaning of the Seven Deadly Sins and Bible references:
1. Lust
Lust is inappropriate or excessive sexual desire. In the Bible, several passages caution against lustful behavior and emphasize the importance of self-control and purity. For example, Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, said:
"But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (Matthew 5:28, ESV)
This verse highlights the importance of not just external actions but also internal thoughts and desires. The Bible also emphasizes the need for self-control and avoiding behaviors that lead to temptation.
Additionally, there are verses in the Bible that speak about the virtues of purity and avoiding immoral behavior. For instance, the Apostle Paul wrote:
"Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body." (1 Corinthians 6:18, ESV)
2. Gluttony
Gluttony is excessive or unrestrained consumption of food or drink, often to the detriment of one's health or well-being. In the Bible, there are several verses that caution against overindulgence and emphasize the importance of moderation and self-control.
"Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags." Proverbs 23:20-21 (ESV)
This verse warns against the consequences of gluttony and excessive consumption, suggesting that it can lead to negative outcomes.
"For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things." Philippians 3:18-19 (ESV)
This passage criticizes those focusing on indulgence and earthly pleasures, including an excessive concern for physical appetites.
3. Greed
The sin of greed, an obsessive desire for material wealth or possessions at the expense of ethical considerations, is addressed in various passages throughout the Bible. Greed is generally seen as a form of idolatry, where the pursuit of wealth or material possessions takes precedence over one's devotion to God and ethical living. Here are a few verses that touch on the concept of greed:
"And he said to them, 'Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.'"Luke 12:15 (ESV)
This verse, spoken by Jesus, emphasizes that life's true value is not measured by material wealth but by spiritual and ethical considerations.
"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs." 1 Timothy 6:10 (ESV)
This well-known verse warns against the love of money, emphasizing that it can lead to various harmful consequences and even a departure from faith.
4. Sloth
Sloth is spiritual or moral laziness, neglecting one's responsibilities, and failing to use one's God-given talents and gifts effectively.
The term "sloth" comes from the Latin word "acedia," which originally meant "without care" or "apathy." Sloth involves a lack of motivation or enthusiasm for fulfilling one's duties, both in a spiritual and practical sense. It can manifest as a neglect of prayer, spiritual growth, or charitable acts, as well as an unwillingness to engage fully in one's work or responsibilities.
"The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied." (Proverbs 13:4)
This verse contrasts the outcomes of diligence and laziness, highlighting the negative consequences of sloth.
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going."Ecclesiastes 9:10 (ESV)
This verse encourages a wholehearted and diligent approach to one's work and responsibilities.
5. Wrath
The sin of wrath refers to uncontrolled, intense, and vengeful anger. Wrath is seen as a sinful state of being because it involves harboring and acting upon destructive and harmful emotions, often leading to negative consequences for oneself and others.
"Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil." (Psalm 37:8)
6. Envy
Envy is resenting or feeling discontent towards the good fortune, success, or possessions of others. The Bible emphasizes the importance of contentment, love, and the avoidance of envy. Here are some key verses that address the sin of envy:
"You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."Exodus 20:17 (NIV)
The Tenth Commandment specifically warns against coveting, which is closely related to envy. It cautions against desiring and harboring ill feelings about what belongs to others.
"A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." Proverbs 14:30 (NIV)
7. Pride
The sin of pride is consistently cautioned against in the Bible, and it is often regarded as one of the most destructive and insidious sins. Pride involves an inflated sense of self-importance, an excessive focus on oneself, and a failure to acknowledge one's dependence on God. Here are some key passages that address the sin of pride:
"Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."Proverbs 16:18 (NIV)
This well-known proverb highlights the consequence of pride, warning that it can lead to downfall and destruction.
"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom."Proverbs 11:2 (NIV)
This verse contrasts pride with humility, emphasizing the value of humility and its connection to wisdom.
Lord, replace my pride, envy, wrath, gluttony, lust, sloth, and greed with love for others and love for you. Give me eyes see others as you see them. Help me view myself in the proper perspective. Change my heart of stone to reflect your heart so I am content and satisfied with the skills, talents, and gifts you have given to me. When I feel hurt, offended, or angry show me how to positively deal with my pain in a way that glorifies you and honors others. I want to look more like you, Lord, and less like me. Amen
Sin isn’t just wrong or immoral behavior. It is an issue of the heart. We all sin, and that sin separates us from the Lord and others. But praise God for the great good news that while we were still sinners, Jesus died for us (Romans 5:8). Salvation cannot be earned. It is God’s gift of grace, so no one can boast. We can be forgiven of all sin, even the big seven, by His grace through faith in Christ (Acts 10:23).
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9)
Claiming the power of God,
Pastor Ken
Weekly Schedule @ Faith Fellowship:
Wed. at 7 PM is prayer meeting
Fri. at 7 PM is prayer for the nation
Sat. at 7 AM is Men’s Bible & Breakfast
Sun. 9 AM is Sunday School / 10 AM is Worship (Message: Dealing with Envy)
Jan. 25: Church business meeting
Faith Fellowship -Our Forever Family, 2597 State Hwy 35, Luck, WI
Ken Mettler, Pastor (715) 475-7666
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