Vices

“Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habit.

Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character;

it becomes your destiny.”- Lao Tzu

Vice

Vice is not a sin.

Vice is a bad habit that is acquired by repeating bad actions.

The seven capital sins:

Pride

This is always seen as the chief sin. It is excessive love of self. Pride is such a serious sin because a person puts himself or herself in the place of God.

Avarice

This means greed. Uncontrolled desire for material possessions: money, clothes, cars, etc.

Lust

Unhealthy or uncontrolled sexual desire. This uses sex as an end in itself, and not as part of a relationship.

Anger

Uncontrolled antagonism, desire for revenge. There is appropriate anger – as in a response to injustice. This sin refers to uncontrolled anger and a desire for revenge.

Gluttony

Uncontrolled desire for and indulgence in food.

Envy

Unhappiness or discontent over the good fortune of others. This is like jealousy.

Sloth

Excessive laziness or carelessness. It is a lack of desire to do one’s duties. This is not the same as leisure or rest.

Virtues

Virtues are the opposite of vices.

A virtue is an abiding disposition of the soul, or the power that enables a person to perform good actions easily and avoid bad actions.

There are four cardinal virtues:

Cardinal virtues mean the “hinge” virtues – those on which other virtues hang.

Prudence

This means everyday wisdom or good judgment. It is necessary for every part of our lives.

Justice

Justice asks us to treat people how they deserve. We should obey laws, pay our debts, play fairly, etc.

Fortitude

This virtue allows us to confront difficulties or danger, perhaps even death, with courage and hope.

TemperanceThis virtue allows us to control our passions and

desires. We can act reasonably and moderately, and use our bodies and talents correctly.

Each of the seven deadly sins is matched with a virtue:

Humility is opposed to pride. Humility comes from humus (soil, earth). We remind ourselves that our real credit for our gifts goes to God.

Liberality is opposed to greed.

It enables a person to give freely of their money and possessions.

Chastity is opposed to lust.

It is not merely self control, but means the proper living of one’s sexuality according to one’s life and vocation.

Meekness is opposed to anger.

This virtue allows us to be patient under injury or insult.

Moderation is opposed to gluttony.

This allows one to use and enjoy food and drink sensibly.

Brotherly love

This is opposed to envy – one shows true love for the neighbor.

Diligence is opposed to sloth.

This enables us to work and carry out our duties with devotion and dedication.

Finally there are three theological virtues.

We receive them at baptism, and these are gifts from God.

Faith

The virtue by which we believe in God and what he has revealed through Christ and the Church.

This allows us to believe the mysteries of faith.

Hope

This is the virtue by which we trust in God’s promise of salvation.

Charity

Is the virtue by which we love God and our neighbor as we love ourselves.

So faith, hope, and love abide, these three. But the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:13)