I find Augustines rundown of these sources of sins fascinating, as he does not simply recite dangers and examples. He does not condemn them like a vengeful preacher.

Instead, he highlights how people who commit these sins are looking for something, and have a certain rational behind what they do.

But they will not find what they are looking for apart from God. God is the source of all good and so, in essence, is the reversal and cure of these sins. A solid rock that makes these sins irrelevant.

Book 2, Chapter 6, 13

Human sloth pretends to long for rest, but what sure rest is there save in the Lord?

Luxury would fain be called plenty and abundance; but thou art the fullness and unfailing abundance of unfading joy.

Prodigality presents a show of liberality; but thou art the most lavish giver of all good things.

Covetousness desires to possess much; but thou art already the possessor of all things.

Envy contends that its aim is for excellence; but what is so excellent as thou?

Anger seeks revenge; but who avenges more justly than thou?

Fear recoils at the unfamiliar and the sudden changes which threaten things beloved, and is wary for its own security; but what can happen that is unfamiliar or sudden to thee? Or who can deprive thee of what thou lovest?

Grief languishes for things lost in which desire had taken delight, because it will to have nothing taken from it, just as nothing can be taken from thee.

My favorite is his denouncement of fear, that most dangerous of emotions.

For who indeed can deprive God of what he loves? And if there is no one who can, what is our basis for having fear?

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