Chapter VI — On the capital vices and other graver sins

1. What is vice?

Vice is an evil disposition of soul to flee good and to do evil, caused by the frequent repetition of evil acts.

2. What difference is there between sin and vice?

Between sin and vice there is this difference: that sin is an act which passes, while vice is the bad habit contracted of falling into some sin.

3. Which are the vices called capital?

The vices called capital are seven: 1. Pride; 2. Avarice; 3. Lust; 4. Anger; 5. Gluttony; 6. Envy; 7. Sloth.

4. How are the capital vices overcome?

The capital vices are overcome by the exercise of the opposite virtues. Thus pride is overcome by humility; avarice by generosity; lust by chastity; anger by patience; gluttony by abstinence; envy by fraternal love; sloth by diligence and fervor in the service of God.

5. Why are these vices called capital?

These vices are called capital because they are the source and cause of many other vices and sins.

6. How many are the sins against the Holy Spirit?

The sins against the Holy Spirit are six: 1. despair of salvation; 2. presumption of being saved without merit; 3. impugning the known truth; 4. envy of another's grace; 5. obstinacy in sins; 6. final impenitence.

7. Why are these sins said to be in particular against the Holy Spirit?

These sins are said to be in particular against the Holy Spirit, because they are committed out of pure malice, which is contrary to the goodness attributed to the Holy Spirit.

8. Which are the sins that are said to cry out for vengeance in the sight of God?

The sins said to cry out for vengeance in the sight of God are four: 1. willful murder; 2. impure sin against the order of nature; 3. oppression of the poor; 4. defrauding workmen of their wages.

9. Why is it said that these sins cry out for vengeance in the sight of God?

These sins are said to cry out for vengeance in the sight of God, because the Holy Spirit says it, and because their iniquity is so grave and manifest that it provokes God to punish them with the most severe chastisements.