The Seven Deadly Sins

The seven deadly sins — also called the capital sins — are the principal vices from which all other sins arise. They are called "capital" not because they are the worst sins in themselves, but because they are the heads (caput) from which other sins proceed (CCC 1866).

The Seven Capital Sins

Pride — disordered self-love, placing oneself above God and others. The root of all sin.
Avarice (Greed) — excessive desire for wealth and possessions.
Envy — sadness at another's good fortune and desire to possess it.
Wrath (Anger) — inordinate desire for revenge or disproportionate anger.
Lust — disordered desire for or inordinate enjoyment of sexual pleasure.
Gluttony — overindulgence in food or drink beyond what is needed.
Sloth (Acedia) — spiritual laziness; neglect of the duties one owes to God (CCC 1866).

Why They Are Dangerous

The capital sins are dangerous not primarily because of the harm of individual acts but because they corrupt character — establishing habitual dispositions (vices) that make further sin easier and virtue harder. Unchecked, they systematically disorder the soul's relationship to God, others, and self (CCC 1865–1866).

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the opposing virtues? Each capital sin has a corresponding virtue: Humility counters Pride; Generosity counters Avarice; Kindness counters Envy; Patience counters Wrath; Chastity counters Lust; Temperance counters Gluttony; Diligence counters Sloth.

Are the capital sins always mortal? Not necessarily — severity depends on the gravity of the specific act, the degree of knowledge, and the freedom of the will. But the capital sins, if indulged habitually, consistently open the path to mortal sin (CCC 1857).