Acceptable Addictions: The Deadly Seven
In the ancient wisdom of Proverbs 6:16-19, the Bible warns of seven things the Lord detests: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren. These echo the traditional seven deadly sins—Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy, and Pride—that have plagued humanity since the fall in Eden. Yet in our modern era, these vices have undergone a sinister transformation. They are no longer hidden in the shadows of shame but paraded as virtues in a culture steeped in perpetual victimhood and zero personal accountability. We call them “acceptable addictions,” celebrated in media, politics, and daily life, blinding many to their destructive grip. As Romans 12:2 urges, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Let us expose these seven, drawing from Scripture, to reclaim the freedom Christ offers.
Lust: The Idol of Desire
Lust, once confined to whispers, now reigns supreme in a hyper-sexualized society. From endless scrolling on apps designed to hook the eye to the normalization of casual encounters, lust is marketed as empowerment and self-expression. In a culture of victimhood, it’s reframed as a “right” denied by outdated morals, absolving individuals of responsibility. But Jesus warns in Matthew 5:28, “Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” This addiction erodes families, objectifies people, and chains souls to fleeting pleasures. Many don’t recognize it as an affliction because it’s applauded as liberation—yet it leaves emptiness, demanding more. At FivestarMan, we focus on the purposes of a man’s heart, so they are empowered to cast off what constrains them. I’ve written a book, Bedding Ishtar, that is setting men free from this acceptable addiction. You are not obligated to sin with lust. You can be free!
Gluttony: The Feast Without End
Gluttony extends beyond food to an insatiable appetite for excess in all forms: binge-watching, overconsumption of goods, and emotional indulgence. In a world of fast food and instant gratification, it’s celebrated as “self-care” or “treating yourself.” Victimhood amplifies this, where stress from “systemic issues” justifies unchecked habits, dodging personal discipline. Proverbs 23:20-21 cautions, “Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.” This acceptable addiction fosters obesity, debt, and spiritual lethargy, masking the call to stewardship of our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Greed: The Pursuit of More
Greed, or avarice, drives the relentless pursuit of wealth and status, often at the expense of others. In today’s economy of influencers and crypto schemes, it’s hailed as ambition and hustle culture. Perpetual victimhood excuses it—blaming inequality for one’s grabs, ignoring accountability for ethical choices. The Apostle Paul declares in 1 Timothy 6:10, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” This addiction breeds corruption, inequality, and isolation, as relationships become transactions. Celebrated as success, it blinds us to the true riches in Christ.
Sloth: The Paralysis of Inaction
Sloth is not mere laziness but a willful neglect of duties, spiritual and practical. In an age of endless distractions and welfare dependency, it’s romanticized as “mental health days” without end or resistance to “toxic productivity.” Victimhood culture reinforces it, claiming external forces render effort futile, evading personal initiative. Proverbs 6:6-8 extols the ant: “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.” This acceptable addiction stifles growth, innovation, and purpose, leaving dreams unfulfilled and communities weakened.
Wrath: The Fire of Unforgiveness
Wrath manifests as explosive anger or simmering resentment, fueled by social media outrage and the phenomenon of cancel culture. It’s glorified as “speaking truth to power” or righteous indignation, especially in victim narratives where grudges are badges of honor. Zero accountability means offenses are nursed indefinitely, ignoring calls to reconciliation. Ephesians 4:26-27 advises, “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” This addiction destroys relationships, health, and peace, perpetuating cycles of violence while masquerading as justice.
Envy: The Poison of Comparison
Envy thrives in the age of social media, where curated lives spark discontent. It’s celebrated as aspiration or “keeping up,” but in victimhood culture, it’s justified as resentment toward the “privileged,” shirking gratitude and effort. James 3:16 states, “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” This acceptable addiction erodes joy, fosters division, and hinders personal achievement, as focus shifts from God’s provision to others’ blessings. You will never achieve your potential as long as you are comparing yourself to another man’s calling. Discover your unique gift. Sharpen it. God will bring the promotion of it.
Pride: The Root of All
Pride, the deadliest, crowns them all—a haughty spirit that elevates self above God and others. In a narcissistic society, it’s lauded as self-esteem and authenticity, with victimhood amplifying entitlement. No accountability means flaws are externalized, never confronted. We’re living in a culture that is anti-authority in the name of anti-fascism. Proverbs 16:18 warns, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” This addiction isolates, deceives, and invites ruin, yet it’s the most insidious because it’s often mistaken for confidence.
These seven run rampant, not as overt evils, but as normalized traits. Many remain unaware, lulled by societal applause. If it were demonic, that would be easy, we have the authority to cast them out; however, these are accepted addictions that require a decision to purge. As Galatians 5:1 proclaims, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
Break free today. Take the 45-Day Challenge at FivestarMan.com—a biblically grounded journey to confront these addictions, renew your mind, and embrace authentic manhood in Christ. Your decision starts now.
