1. Lust
Lust is an uncontrollable passion or longing, especially for sexual desires.
The Bible speaks about lust in 2 Timothy 2:22, “Flee also youthful lusts; butpursue righteousness, faith, love [and] peace…” The Bible also mentions lust inthe following verses: Job 31:1, Matthew 5:28, Philippians 4:8, James 1:14-15, 1 Peter 2:11 and 1 John 2:16.
Chastity or selfcontrol cures lust by controlling passion and leveraging thatenergy for the good of others.
2. Gluttony
gluttonyGluttony is an excessive ongoing consumption of food or drink. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Additional Bible references include: Psalm 78:17-19, Philippians 3:19-20, Proverbs 23:1-3, Proverbs 23:19-21 and 1 Corinthians 3:16-17.
Temperance cures gluttony by implanting the desire to be healthy, therefore making one fit to serve others
3. Greed
greedGreed is an excessive pursuit of material possessions. The Bible says the following in Hebrews 13:5, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”
Other biblical texts which mention greed include: Exodus 20:17, Proverbs 11:24, Proverbs 28:25, Ecclesiastes 5:10, Philippians 4:6 and 1 Timothy 6:9-10.
Charity cures greed by putting the desire to help others above storing up treasure for one’s self.
4. Sloth
sloth Sloth is an excessive laziness or the failure to act and utilize one’stalents.
Solomon spoke of sloth in Proverbs 6:6 saying, “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise.” The Bible also mentions sloth in the followingverses: Proverbs 13:4, Proverbs 24:33-34, Romans 12:11-13, Colossians 3:23and 2 Thessalonians 3:10.
Diligence or zeal cures slothfulness by placing the interest of others above a lifeof ease and relaxation.
5. Wrath
wrath Wrath is an uncontrollable anger and hate towards another person.
The Bible speaks about wrath in Romans 12:19, “Beloved, never avengeyourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance ismine, I will repay, says the Lord.‘” Additional Bible verses include: Psalm 37:8, Proverbs 14:29, Proverbs 15:1, Ephesians 4:26-27, Colossians 3:8 and James1:19-20.
Patience cures wrath by one first understanding the needs and desires of othersbefore acting or speaking.
6. Envy
Envy is the intense desire to have an item or experience thatsomeone else possesses.
The Bible says the following in Proverbs 14:30, “A sound heart is life to thebody, But envy is rottenness to the bones.” Other biblical texts which mentionenvy include: Job 5:2, Psalm 37:1, Proverbs 24:19-20, Ecclesiastes 4:4, Galatians 5:26 and James 3:14-16.
Kindness cures envy by placing the desire to help others above the need tosupersede them.
7. Pride
pridePride is an excessive view of one’s self without regard for others. The Bible says the following in Jeremiah 9:23-24, “…Let not the mighty man boast of his might…but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me…”
Pride is also mentioned in the following verses: Proverbs 8:13, Proverbs 16:18, Romans 12:16, 1 Corinthians 13:4, Galatians 6:3 and James 4:6-7.
Humility cures pride by removing one’s ego and boastfulness, therefore allowing the attitude of service.
