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The 7 Capital Sins and their Contrary Virtues
1. Pride/Humility Humility is the virtue that counters pride. As pride leads to other sin, true humility clears a path for holiness. Pride is a sin based on
undue and inappropriate appreciation of ones self worth. Conversely, the virtue of humility is about modest behavior, selflessness and the giving of respect.
2. Greed/Generosity Liberality, or generosity, is the virtue that is counter to greed the sin of immoderate desire for earthly goods. The virtue of liberality
is focused not merely on the appropriate concern regarding one's earthly goods, but also on generosity and a willingness to give, freely and without request
for commendation.
3. Lust/Chastity Chastity is the counter-virtue to the sin of lust. Chastity embraces moral wholesomeness and purity, and in both thought and action treats God's
gift of sexuality with due reverence and respect.
4. Anger/Meekness Meekness, or patience, is the virtue that counters the sin of unjust anger, also called wrath or rage. Where the sin of wrath is about quick
temper and unnecessary vengeance, the virtue of meekness focuses on patiently seeking appropriate resolution to conflicts, and on the ability to forgive and show mercy.
5. Gluttony/Temperance The virtue of temperance or abstinence counters the sin of gluttony. To be gluttonous is to overindulge. On the opposite hand, the
virtue of temperance is centered on self-control and moderation.
6. Envy/Kindness Kindness, or love for one's neighbor, is the virtue which counters the sin of envy. Envy, in contradiction to Gods law
of love, is manifest in a person's sorrow and distress over the good fortune of another person. Conversely, kindness is manifest in the
unprejudiced, compassionate and charitable concern for others.
7. Sloth/Diligence Diligence, or persistence, is the virtue which counters the sin of sloth. Sloth, as a capital sin, refers to laziness in
matters of Faith and spiritual combat. Diligence manifests the appropriately zealous attitudes toward living and sharing the Faith.
These 7 Capital Sins, also known as "The 7 Deadly Sins," were first enumerated by Pope St. Gregory the Great in "Moralia in Job."
