Pride

Proverbs 16:18

"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."

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Reflection: This verse warns against the dangers of pride, suggesting that an overinflated sense of self can lead to one's downfall. It highlights the importance of humility and the recognition of one's limitations and dependence on God.

James 4:6

"But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'"

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Reflection: This verse emphasizes God's favor towards the humble and His opposition to the proud. It encourages believers to adopt a posture of humility to receive God's grace fully.

1 Peter 5:5

"Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'"

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Reflection: Echoing James 4:6, this verse underlines the value of humility, not only towards God but also in relationships with others. It serves as a reminder that humility fosters community and mutual respect.

Daniel 4:37

"Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble."

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Reflection: Nebuchadnezzar's declaration after being humbled by God serves as a powerful testament to the dangers of pride. It underscores that God opposes the proud but is merciful to those who recognize His sovereignty and repent.

Envy

Proverbs 14:30

"A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot."

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Reflection: This proverb contrasts the peace that comes from contentment with the destructive nature of envy. It suggests that envy is not only damaging to one's relationships but also to one's own well-being.

James 3:16

"For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice."

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Reflection: Here, the connection between envy, chaos, and unethical behavior is highlighted. The verse warns that envy can lead to a breakdown in moral integrity and community harmony.

Galatians 5:26

"Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another."

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Reflection: This exhortation encourages believers to avoid envy and conceit, which can lead to conflict within the community. It promotes a spirit of unity and mutual support.

Wrath

Ephesians 4:26-27

"Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil."

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Reflection: This verse acknowledges the natural emotion of anger but warns against allowing it to lead to sin. It advises resolving conflicts quickly to prevent the devil from exploiting unresolved anger.

Proverbs 15:1

"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

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Reflection: The wisdom of this proverb lies in its practical advice for de-escalating conflict. It suggests that gentle communication can diffuse anger, while harshness only exacerbates it.

Romans 12:19

"Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'"

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Reflection: This verse counsels against personal revenge, encouraging believers to trust in God's justice. It teaches patience and faith in God's ultimate authority over wrongdoings.

Colossians 3:8

"But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth."

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Reflection: Paul's instruction to the Colossians to put away anger and wrath among other sins is a call to transformation. It reflects the new life believers are called to live in Christ, marked by love and the absence of destructive anger.

Sloth

Proverbs 6:6-8

"Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest."

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Reflection: This passage uses the diligence of ants as a metaphor for the value of hard work and foresight. It serves as a rebuke to laziness and an encouragement to be proactive and responsible.

2 Thessalonians 3:10

"For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat."

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Reflection: Here, the direct relationship between effort and reward is highlighted. It underscores the importance of contributing to one's community and taking personal responsibility for one's livelihood.

Hebrews 6:12

"So that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises."

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Reflection: This verse encourages believers to emulate the faith and perseverance of those who have gone before them. It warns against laziness, promoting a life of active faith and patient endurance.

Greed

Luke 12:15

"And he said to them, 'Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.'"

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Reflection: Jesus' warning against greed highlights the spiritual danger of valuing material wealth above all else. It reminds believers that true life is found not in possessions but in relationships with God and others.

Ecclesiastes 5:10

"He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity."

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Reflection: This verse from Ecclesiastes highlights the futility of placing one's hope in wealth. It suggests that a love for money leads to an endless cycle of dissatisfaction, pointing to the emptiness of greed.

Hebrews 13:5

"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'"

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Reflection: This verse emphasizes contentment and trust in God's provision. It challenges the believer to find security not in wealth but in God's faithful presence.

1 Timothy 6:10

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs."

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Reflection: This well-known verse links the love of money to various forms of evil and spiritual peril. It warns that greed can lead to a departure from faith and cause deep personal anguish.

Gluttony

Proverbs 23:20-21

"Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags."

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Reflection: This verse warns against excess in eating and drinking, linking gluttony and drunkenness to poverty and disgrace. It encourages moderation and self-control.

Philippians 3:19

"Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things."

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Reflection: Paul critiques those who live for physical pleasure, warning that such a lifestyle leads to spiritual ruin. It encourages believers to set their minds on spiritual, rather than earthly, things.

1 Corinthians 9:27

"But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified."

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Reflection: Paul speaks of self-discipline as a means to maintain integrity in ministry. This verse can be applied to the struggle against gluttony, highlighting the importance of controlling one's desires for the sake of one's witness.

Lust

Matthew 5:28

"But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

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Reflection: Jesus elevates the standard of purity, teaching that sin begins in the heart with lustful intent. It calls believers to guard not only their actions but also their thoughts.

1 Corinthians 6:18-20

"Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."

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Reflection: This passage emphasizes the seriousness of sexual sin and the importance of honoring God with one's body. It reminds believers of their value and calls them to live in a way that reflects their divine purpose.

Galatians 5:16

"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."

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Reflection: Paul offers a solution to the struggle with lust: living by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This verse promises that spiritual living can overcome fleshly desires, leading to a life that pleases God.

2 Timothy 2:22

"So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart."

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Reflection: This verse advises fleeing from the passions that typically ensnare the young, including lust, and instead pursuing a life characterized by righteousness and love. It emphasizes the importance of community and shared commitment to purity.