Chapter 190 — What was the woman’s motivation

The woman craved both the promised exaltation and the perfection of knowledge. Added to this were the beauty and sweetness of the fruit, which attracted her to eat of it. And so, scorning the fear of death, she violated God’s command by eating of the forbidden tree.

And thus she is found to have committed several sins. First, there was a sin of pride, whereby she inordinately desired excellence. Her second sin was one of curiosity, whereby she coveted knowledge beyond the limits fixed for her. The third sin was that of gluttony, whereby the sweetness of the fruit enticed her to eat. A fourth sin was a false estimation of God, when she believed the words of the devil who spoke against God. Fifth, there was a sin of disobedience, by transgressing God’s command.