23 Sins Mentioned in the Bible

Specific transgressions identified in Scripture that separate humanity from God's perfect will.

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Sin Description: Pride
Bible References: Proverbs 16:18; James 4:6
Root Cause: Insecurity, desire for control, and self-centeredness.
Consequences: Destruction; God opposes the proud
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: James 4:6, Proverbs 11:2

Sin Description: Lying
Bible References: Proverbs 12:22; Revelation 21:8
Root Cause: Fear, insecurity, and desire to protect oneself or manipulate situations.
Consequences: Detestable to God; leads to the second death
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: Proverbs 12:22, Ephesians 4:25

Sin Description: Stealing
Bible References: Exodus 20:15; Ephesians 4:28
Root Cause: Greed, envy, and lack of trust in God's provision.
Consequences: Breaks God’s law; requires restitution and repentance
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: Ephesians 4:28, 1 Peter 2:1

Sin Description: Murder
Bible References: Exodus 20:13; Matthew 5:21–22
Root Cause: Anger, hatred, and lack of self-control.
Consequences: Judgment; subject to eternal punishment
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: Matthew 5:21-22, 1 John 3:15

Sin Description: Adultery
Bible References: Exodus 20:14; Hebrews 13:4
Root Cause: Lust, dissatisfaction, and lack of commitment.
Consequences: God will judge the adulterer; broken relationships
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: Matthew 5:27-28, 1 Corinthians 6:18

Sin Description: Coveting
Bible References: Exodus 20:17; Colossians 3:5
Root Cause: Desire for what others have, discontentment, and greed.
Consequences: Idolatry; leads to greed and discontent
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: Exodus 20:17, Colossians 3:5

Sin Description: Idolatry
Bible References: Exodus 20:3–5; 1 Corinthians 10:14
Root Cause: Discontentment with God, desire for control, and misplaced worship.
Consequences: Provokes God’s jealousy; separation from God
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: 1 John 5:21, Matthew 6:24

Sin Description: Blasphemy
Bible References: Leviticus 24:16; Matthew 12:31–32
Root Cause: Arrogance, irreverence, and rejection of God’s authority.
Consequences: Punishable by death (OT); unforgivable if against the Holy Spirit
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: Mark 3:29, Matthew 12:31-32

Sin Description: Dishonoring parents
Bible References: Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1–3
Root Cause: Disrespect, rebellion, and lack of gratitude.
Consequences: Loss of blessing; shortens life
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: Ephesians 6:1-3, Exodus 20:12

Sin Description: Drunkenness
Bible References: Proverbs 20:1; Galatians 5:21
Root Cause: Escaping reality, lack of self-control, and addiction.
Consequences: Debauchery; exclusion from the kingdom of God
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: Ephesians 5:18, 1 Peter 4:3-4

Sin Description: Sexual immorality
Bible References: 1 Corinthians 6:18; Hebrews 13:4
Root Cause: Lust, lack of self-control, and disregard for God's commandments.
Consequences: Defiles the body; judged by God
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, Hebrews 13:4

Sin Description: Greed
Bible References: Luke 12:15; Colossians 3:5
Root Cause: Desire for material possessions, insecurity, and lack of contentment.
Consequences: Leads to idolatry; spiritual death
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: Luke 12:15, 1 Timothy 6:6-10

Sin Description: Envy
Bible References: Proverbs 14:30; Galatians 5:21
Root Cause: Insecurity, comparison, and discontentment with one's own situation.
Consequences: Rottenness to the bones; exclusion from God’s kingdom
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: Proverbs 14:30, James 3:16

Sin Description: Wrath
Bible References: James 1:19–20; Ephesians 4:31
Root Cause: Uncontrolled anger, frustration, and bitterness.
Consequences: Leads to evil actions; hinders righteousness
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: Proverbs 14:29, Ephesians 4:31-32

Sin Description: Gossip
Bible References: Proverbs 16:28; Romans 1:29–30
Root Cause: Insecurity, desire for control, and lack of love for others.
Consequences: Destroys relationships; sign of a depraved mind
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: Proverbs 16:28, Ephesians 4:29

Sin Description: Slander
Bible References: Colossians 3:8; Titus 3:2
Root Cause: Malice, insecurity, and desire to harm others’ reputations.
Consequences: Stirs conflict; judged by God
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: James 4:11, 1 Peter 2:1

Sin Description: Unforgiveness
Bible References: Matthew 6:14–15; Mark 11:25
Root Cause: Bitterness, pride, and refusal to let go of hurt.
Consequences: God will not forgive us
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: Matthew 6:14-15, Ephesians 4:32

Sin Description: Unbelief
Bible References: Hebrews 3:12, 19; John 3:18
Root Cause: Distrust in God's promises and power, lack of faith.
Consequences: Cannot enter God's rest; condemned already
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: Mark 9:24, John 20:27

Sin Description: Witchcraft
Bible References: Deuteronomy 18:10–12; Galatians 5:20
Root Cause: Desire for control, power, and manipulation outside of God’s will.
Consequences: Detestable to God; exclusion from the kingdom of God
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: Galatians 5:19-21, Revelation 21:8

Sin Description: Homosexual acts
Bible References: Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:26–27
Root Cause: Lust, desire for connection, and identity confusion.
Consequences: Contrary to God's design; leads to judgment
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Romans 1:26-27

Sin Description: Arrogance
Bible References: Proverbs 8:13; Isaiah 13:11
Root Cause: Insecurity, pride, and desire for superiority.
Consequences: Brings shame and destruction
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: James 4:10, Philippians 2:3-4

Sin Description: Gluttony
Bible References: Proverbs 23:20–21; Philippians 3:19
Root Cause: Lack of self-control, excess, and indulgence.
Consequences: Leads to poverty and spiritual ruin
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: Proverbs 23:2, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Sin Description: Laziness
Bible References: Proverbs 6:6–11; 2 Thessalonians 3:10
Root Cause: Lack of motivation, avoidance, and complacency.
Consequences: Results in poverty and disorder
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: Proverbs 12:24, 2 Thessalonians 3:10

Sin Description: Rebellion
Bible References: 1 Samuel 15:23; Numbers 14:9
Root Cause: Pride, lack of respect for authority, and independence from God.
Consequences: Viewed as witchcraft; leads to punishment
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: 1 Samuel 15:23, Hebrews 3:12-15

Sin Description: Boasting
Bible References: James 4:16; Proverbs 27:1
Root Cause: Insecurity, desire for approval, and need for validation.
Consequences: Evil and offensive to God
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: James 4:16-17, 1 Corinthians 1:31

Sin Description: Hypocrisy
Bible References: Matthew 23:27–28; Luke 12:1
Root Cause: Insecurity, fear of rejection, and desire to appear righteous.
Consequences: Condemned by Jesus; leads to judgment
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: Matthew 23:27-28, Luke 6:42

Sin Description: Lust
Bible References: Matthew 5:28; 1 John 2:16
Root Cause: Desire for pleasure, lack of self-control, and dissatisfaction.
Consequences: Equal to adultery in heart; leads away from God
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: Matthew 5:28, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5

Sin Description: Disobedience to God
Bible References: Deuteronomy 28:15; Romans 1:18–21
Root Cause: Pride, rebellion, and lack of trust in God’s ways.
Consequences: Brings curses and divine wrath
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: James 1:22, 1 John 2:3-6

Sin Description: Jealousy
Bible References: Proverbs 6:34; Galatians 5:20
Root Cause: Insecurity, comparison, and fear of losing what one has.
Consequences: Leads to rage and division
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: James 3:16, Proverbs 14:30

Sin Description: Unthankfulness
Bible References: Romans 1:21; 2 Timothy 3:2
Root Cause: Entitlement, dissatisfaction, and lack of recognition for God’s blessings.
Consequences: Darkened hearts; signs of the last days
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Ephesians 5:20

Sin Description: Worldliness
Bible References: 1 John 2:15–17; James 4:4
Root Cause: Desire for temporary pleasure, lack of spiritual focus, and materialism.
Consequences: Makes one an enemy of God
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: James 4:4, 1 John 2:15-17

Sin Description: Idleness
Bible References: Ecclesiastes 10:18; 1 Timothy 5:13
Root Cause: Lack of purpose, avoidance, and complacency.
Consequences: Leads to destruction and gossip
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12, Proverbs 19:15

Sin Description: Hatred
Bible References: 1 John 3:15; Titus 3:3
Root Cause: Resentment, unforgiveness, and lack of love.
Consequences: Considered murder in the heart; unfit for eternal life
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: 1 John 4:20-21, Matthew 5:44

Sin Description: Quarreling
Bible References: 2 Timothy 2:24; Titus 3:9
Root Cause: Lack of self-control, pride, and a desire to be right.
Consequences: Unproductive and divisive
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: Romans 12:18, 2 Timothy 2:23-24

Sin Description: Deceit
Bible References: Psalm 101:7; Jeremiah 17:9
Root Cause: Insecurity, manipulation, and fear of consequences.
Consequences: Separation from God
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: Proverbs 12:22, 1 Peter 2:1

Sin Description: False prophecy
Bible References: Deuteronomy 18:20–22; Jeremiah 23:16
Root Cause: Desire for influence, control, and a lack of understanding of God’s will.
Consequences: Punishable by death; leads people astray
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: Deuteronomy 18:20-22, Matthew 7:15-20

Sin Description: Selfish ambition
Bible References: Philippians 2:3; James 3:16
Root Cause: Desire for power, recognition, and control.
Consequences: Leads to disorder and evil practice
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: Philippians 2:3-4, James 3:16

Sin Description: Bribery
Bible References: Exodus 23:8; Proverbs 17:23
Root Cause: Greed, desire for influence, and lack of integrity.
Consequences: Perverts justice
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: Proverbs 17:23, Micah 3:11

Sin Description: Partiality
Bible References: James 2:1–4; Leviticus 19:15
Root Cause: Insecurity, favoritism, and injustice.
Consequences: Commits sin and is convicted by the law
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: James 2:1-9, Romans 2:11

Sin Description: Sorcery
Bible References: Galatians 5:20; Revelation 21:8
Root Cause: Desire for control, manipulation, and power outside of God’s will.
Consequences: Exclusion from the kingdom; lake of fire
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: Galatians 5:19-21, Revelation 21:8

Sin Description: Abuse of power
Bible References: Ezekiel 34:2–10; Micah 3:1–4
Root Cause: Pride, desire for control, and lack of compassion.
Consequences: God holds leaders accountable
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: Matthew 20:26-28, Mark 10:42-45

Sin Description: Swearing falsely
Bible References: Zechariah 5:4; Leviticus 19:12
Root Cause: Dishonesty, insecurity, and manipulation.
Consequences: Brings God's curse
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: Matthew 5:33-37, James 5:12

Sin Description: Breaking oaths
Bible References: Ecclesiastes 5:4–6; Matthew 5:33–37
Root Cause: Lack of integrity, disrespect for commitments, and dishonesty.
Consequences: Sin against God
Scripture on Overcoming the Sin: Ecclesiastes 5:4-5, Matthew 5:37