Vitia Capitalia
Seven Deadly Sins
The seven capital or “deadly” sins are disordered inclinations that lead to further sin and spiritual death. They are called capital because they are sources from which other sins flow. The Church pairs each with a contrary virtue for growth in holiness.
Pride
Superbia
Opposed by Humility
Inordinate self-exaltation; contempt for God and neighbor.
Meaning
Pride seeks one’s own glory above God’s. It was the sin of Lucifer and lies at the root of every rebellion against divine order.
Examples
Refusing to admit fault, despising others, relying on oneself rather than God.
Greed
Avaritia
Opposed by Generosity
Excessive desire for wealth or possessions.
Meaning
Greed hoards what should serve God and the poor. It trusts in riches rather than Providence.
Examples
Cheating, stinginess, obsession with money or status.
Lust
Luxuria
Opposed by Chastity
Disordered desire for sexual pleasure, separated from marital love and openness to life.
Meaning
Lust treats persons as objects. Chastity integrates sexuality within the vocation of marriage or consecrated celibacy.
Examples
Pornography, adultery, fornication, deliberate impurity of thought.
Envy
Invidia
Opposed by Kindness / Charity
Sadness at another’s good, wishing to deprive them of it.
Meaning
Envy grieves over blessings given to others rather than rejoicing with them. It poisons relationships and community.
Examples
Resentment of a neighbor’s success, gossip meant to tear down.
Gluttony
Gula
Opposed by Temperance
Excessive indulgence in food or drink.
Meaning
Gluttony surrenders the body’s appetites to excess. Temperance orders pleasure toward health and self-mastery for God’s sake.
Examples
Compulsive eating or drinking, waste, lack of moderation at table.
Wrath
Ira
Opposed by Patience
Uncontrolled anger and desire for revenge.
Meaning
Wrath seeks to harm rather than to correct in justice. Righteous anger exists, but wrath broods, hates, and destroys.
Examples
Explosive rage, nursing grudges, cruelty, refusal to forgive.
Sloth
Acedia
Opposed by Diligence
Spiritual laziness; neglect of duty toward God and neighbor.
Meaning
Sloth is sorrow at spiritual good, apathy toward prayer, worship, and charity. It is not mere tiredness but refusal of divine love.
Examples
Skipping Mass without grave reason, procrastinating good works, spiritual boredom.