The seven deadly sins are less about specific transgressions and more about states of the soul from which every other sin can arise. The roots of this idea lie in the Hebrew Bible, and Jewish teaching contains the same moral and spiritual categories, even if not in the same list form. King Solomon names them in Proverbs 6:

“There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.”

At the top stands pride (Superbia), humanity’s rebellion against God, self-deification that says: “I need no God.” From it grow the others. Greed (Avaritia), clinging to possessions and their deceptive security: “I am what I have.” Lust (Luxuria) separates pleasure from love and responsibility: “I want to enjoy without giving.” Envy (Invidia) suffers from another’s happiness: “If you win, I lose.” Gluttony (Gula) seeks substitute satisfaction in excess:...

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