Table of Contents Seven Deadly Sins Classification Biblical lists Modern List Associations with demons Seven Deadly Sins in Media

• The seven deadly sins, also known as the capital vices or cardinal sins, is a classification of vices that has been used since early Christian times to educate and instruct Christians concerning fallen humanity's tendency to sin.
• The Catholic Church divides sin into two categories: venial sins, in which guilt is relatively minor, and the more severe mortal sins. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, a mortal or deadly sin is believed to destroy the life of grace and charity within a person. "Mortal sin, by attacking the vital principle within us – that is, charity – necessitates a new initiative of God's mercy and a conversion of heart which is normally accomplished within the setting of the sacrament of reconciliation."

In the Book of Proverbs 6:16-19, among the verses traditionally associated with King Solomon, it states that the Lord specifically regards "six things the Lord hateth, and seven that are an abomination unto Him", namely:

1. A proud look
2. A lying tongue
3. Hands that shed innocent blood
4. A heart that devises wicked plots
5. Feet that are swift to run into mischief
6. A deceitful witness that uttereth lies
7. Him that soweth discord among brethren.

• Pride is excessive belief in one's own abilities, that interferes with the individual's recognition of the grace of God. It has been called the sin from which all others arise. Pride is also known as Vanity.
• Envy is the desire for others' traits, status, abilities, or situation.
• Gluttony is an inordinate desire to consume more than that which one requires.
• Lust is an inordinate craving for the pleasures of the body.
• Anger is manifested in the individual who spurns love and opts instead for fury. It is also known as Wrath.
• Greed is the desire for material wealth or gain, ignoring the realm of the spiritual. It is also called Avarice or Covetousness.
• Sloth is the avoidance of physical or spiritual work.

In 1409-1410 The Lanterne of Light paired each of the deadly sins with a demon, who tempted people by means of the associated sin. According to this classification system, the pairings are as follows:

• Lucifer: pride
• Beelzebub: envy (envious)
• Aamon: wrath (wraþþe)
• Abaddon: sloth (slowȝ)
• Mammon: greed - avarice (avarouse) and covetousness (covetise)
• Belphegor: gluttony (glotouns)
• Asmodeus: lust (leccherouse)

In 1589, Peter Binsfeld again paired each of the deadly sins with a demon, in a slightly contrasting classification system, whereby the pairings are as follows:

• Lucifer: pride (superbia)
• Mammon: greed (avaritia)
• Asmodeus: lust (luxuria)
• Leviathan: envy (invidia)
• Beelzebub: gluttony (gula or gullia)
• Satan: wrath (ira)
• Belphegor: sloth (acedia)

In Marlowe's Doctor Faustus, there is a "parade" of the seven deadly sins that is conducted by Mephistopheles, Satan, and Beelzebub suggesting that the demons do not match with each deadly sin, but the demons are in command of the seven deadly sins.

The seven deadly sins have long been a source of inspiration for writers and artists, from medieval works such as Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy, to modern works such as the film Se7en, the manga/anime series Fullmetal Alchemist, Trinity Seven, and as mini bosses in the video game series "The Binding of Isaac (video game)". The seven deadly sins also appeared in the episode "The Magnificent Seven" in the third season of Supernatural TV show.