Vice library
Name struggles without shame
The capital vices are presented with contrary virtues, warning signs, and grace-filled next steps.
Capital vice
Pride
A disordered self-importance that resists truth, correction, dependence on God, or humble service.
Humility
Warning signs
- Defensiveness
- Needing to be noticed
- Avoiding apology
Grace-filled next steps
- Ask for humility
- Make one honest apology
- Do one hidden service
Capital vice
Greed
A disordered grasping for possessions, money, comfort, status, or control.
Generosity
Warning signs
- Clutching what could be shared
- Fearful hoarding
- Using people for gain
Grace-filled next steps
- Give something quietly
- Practice gratitude
- Repair an unjust withholding
Capital vice
Lust
A disordered use of desire that fails to reverence the dignity of the body and the person.
Chastity
Warning signs
- Using media or imagination without reverence
- Treating another as an object
- Hiding habits in secrecy
Grace-filled next steps
- Pray immediately when tempted
- Remove a near occasion
- Seek confession or pastoral help when needed
Capital vice
Envy
Sadness or resentment at another person's good, gifts, vocation, holiness, or success.
GratitudeKindness
Warning signs
- Quiet resentment
- Diminishing another's good
- Comparison that steals peace
Grace-filled next steps
- Thank God for one gift
- Pray for the person envied
- Name a grace in your own life
Capital vice
Gluttony
A disordered relationship with appetite, comfort, consumption, or escape.
Temperance
Warning signs
- Using food, drink, media, or comfort to avoid love
- Ignoring limits
- Loss of gratitude or freedom
Grace-filled next steps
- Choose one small limit
- Give thanks before receiving
- Return to embodied prayer
Capital vice
Anger
A disordered movement of the heart toward contempt, retaliation, harshness, or refusal to forgive.
PatienceMeekness
Warning signs
- Sharp speech
- Replaying grievances
- Silent punishment
Grace-filled next steps
- Pause before speaking
- Pray for the person
- Make repair where words wounded
Capital vice
Sloth
A weary or resistant avoidance of prayer, duty, charity, or the good God asks now.
DiligenceZeal
Warning signs
- Avoiding prayer
- Delay without reason
- Numbing instead of acting
Grace-filled next steps
- Do the next small duty
- Ask for renewed love
- Simplify the task and begin