The Seven Virtues and the Seven Sins

In Orthodox Christian ethics, the virtues are considered to be those qualities that help us grow closer to God and live a life of holiness. The seven primary virtues are:

1. Faith: This virtue involves trusting in God and His promises. It is supported by numerous passages in the Bible, such as Hebrews 11:1 which states "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Church fathers such as St. John Chrysostom and St. Augustine also wrote extensively about the importance of faith.

2. Hope: This virtue involves looking forward to the fulfillment of God's promises and the ultimate redemption of humanity. It is supported by passages such as Romans 8:24-25 which states "For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it." Church fathers such as St. Gregory of Nyssa and St. Jerome also wrote about the importance of hope.

3. Love: This virtue involves selflessly caring for others and putting their needs above our own. It is supported by numerous passages in the Bible, such as 1 Corinthians 13 which famously states "And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." Church fathers such as St. John of Damascus and St. Maximus the Confessor also wrote about the importance of love.

 4. Prudence: This virtue involves making wise decisions and living in a way that is consistent with the teachings of Christ. It is supported by passages such as Proverbs 8:12 which states "I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions." Church fathers such as St. Basil the Great and St. John Cassian also wrote about the importance of prudence.

5. Justice: This virtue involves treating others fairly and doing what is right. It is supported by numerous passages in the Bible, such as Micah 6:8 which states "He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" Church fathers such as St. Ambrose and St. Gregory the Great also wrote about the importance of justice.

6. Temperance: This virtue involves controlling our desires and passions, and living in moderation. It is supported by passages such as Titus 2:12 which states "Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world." Church fathers such as St. Jerome and St. Augustine also wrote about the importance of temperance.

7. Fortitude: This virtue involves facing challenges and difficulties with strength and courage. It is supported by numerous passages in the Bible, such as Joshua 1:9 which states "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." Church fathers such as St. John Chrysostom and St. Thomas Aquinas also wrote about the importance of fortitude.

The seven deadly sins that are often associated with orthodox Christianity are pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth. They are considered to be particularly egregious because they lead to other sins and can potentially lead someone away from God.

1. Pride: Pride is excessive self-love or vanity and is often considered the source of all other sins. The Bible says in Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." Church fathers like St. Augustine have also spoken about the dangers of pride, warning that it can lead to disobedience and arrogance.

2. Greed: Greed is an excessive desire for material possessions or wealth. The Bible warns against greed in Luke 12:15, where Jesus says, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions." Church fathers such as St. Gregory the Great have also condemned greed, describing it as a "bottomless pit."

3. Lust: Lust is an intense desire for sexual gratification outside of marriage. The Bible speaks out against lust in multiple passages, including 1 Corinthians 6:18, which says, "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body." Church fathers such as St. John Chrysostom have also warned against the dangers of lust, describing it as a "fire" that can consume a person.

4. Envy: Envy is a feeling of resentment or jealousy towards others. The Bible speaks out against envy in Proverbs 14:30, which says, "A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." Church fathers such as St. Augustine have also condemned envy, describing it as a "diabolical sin" that can lead to hatred and even murder.

5. Gluttony: Gluttony is an excessive desire for food or drink. The Bible warns against gluttony in Proverbs 23:21, which says, "For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags." Church fathers such as St. Thomas Aquinas have also spoken out against gluttony, warning that it can lead to other sins like lust and sloth.

6. Wrath: Wrath is an intense anger or rage towards others. The Bible warns against wrath in James 1:19-20, where it says, "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires." Church fathers such as St. John Cassian have also spoken out against wrath, warning that it can lead to violence and even murder.

7. Sloth: Sloth is laziness or lack of motivation towards spiritual or physical tasks. The Bible speaks out against sloth in Proverbs 18:9, which says, "One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys." Church fathers such as St. Gregory the Great have also warned against sloth, describing it as a "spiritual torpor" that can lead to despair and apathy.

These seven deadly sins are often seen as particularly egregious because they can lead people away from God and towards other sins. By avoiding these sins and striving to live a virtuous life, individuals can grow closer to God and live a more fulfilling life.