Overcoming the Seven Deadly Sins — 7-Day Bible Reading Plan

The journey, day by day

Each day pairs a Scripture reading with its historical context, connections across the Bible, a short prayer, and journal prompts to write through.

Day 1 Pride: The Root of All Sin
Proverbs 16:18, Isaiah 14:12-15, James 4:6-10, Luke 18:9-14
Day 2 Greed: The Never-Enough Sin
Luke 12:13-21, 1 Timothy 6:6-10, Ecclesiastes 5:10, Hebrews 13:5
Day 3 Lust: Desire Gone Wrong
Matthew 5:27-30, James 1:13-15, 2 Samuel 11:1-5, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20
Day 4 Envy: Resenting Another's Good
Proverbs 14:30, James 3:14-16, Genesis 4:3-8, 1 Samuel 18:6-12
Day 5 Gluttony: Consuming Without Control
Proverbs 23:20-21, Philippians 3:18-19, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Romans 14:17
Day 6 Wrath: Anger Out of Control
Ephesians 4:26-32, James 1:19-20, Proverbs 29:11, Matthew 5:21-24
Day 7 Sloth: Spiritual Laziness
Proverbs 6:6-11, Hebrews 6:10-12, Matthew 25:14-30, Revelation 3:15-16

Inside day one — a sample

Scripture · Proverbs 16:18, Isaiah 14:12-15, James 4:6-10, Luke 18:9-14

“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”

Proverbs 16:18 · KJV

Historical context

Pride is traditionally listed first among deadly sins because it is the root from which all others grow. Isaiah 14 poetically describes the fall of the king of Babylon using language that echoes Satan's original rebellion: 'I will be like the most High.' Pride is fundamentally the declaration of independence from God—putting self on the throne. Jesus' parable of the Pharisee and tax collector (Luke 18) shows that religious pride is especially dangerous.

Scripture connections

C.S. Lewis called pride 'the complete anti-God state of mind.' It was pride that led to the first sin—Eve wanted to 'be like God' (Genesis 3:5). Throughout Scripture, God consistently opposes the proud (Proverbs 3:34, James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5) but exalts the humble. Humility—accurate self-assessment before God—is pride's antidote.

Why this day matters

We begin this journey with pride because it underlies every other sin. Greed is pride wanting more. Lust is pride demanding satisfaction. Wrath is pride offended. Envy is pride comparing. Until we deal with pride, we'll only treat symptoms.

Prayer Against Pride

Lord, I confess the pride in my heart—the ways I exalt myself, compare myself favorably to others, and live as if I don't need You. Humble me. I don't want to be resisted by You; I want Your grace. Help me see myself accurately and depend on You completely. Amen.

Journal prompts

Why did you choose this reading plan? Which 'deadly sin' do you struggle with most?
Pride often hides behind respectability. In what subtle ways does pride show up in your life? (comparison, defensiveness, need for recognition, inability to admit wrong)
Read the parable in Luke 18:9-14. Which man do you most resemble? Be honest.
What would genuine humility look like in your specific circumstances this week?

This plan is part of Premium ($3/month) — or start it free: your first reading plan is always free, whichever one you choose.