CCC 2539
Life in Christ›SECTION TWO THE TEN COMMANDMENTS›CHAPTER TWO YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF›I. The Disorder of Covetous Desires
Envy is a capital sin. It refers to the sadness at the sight of another's goods and the immoderate desire to acquire them for oneself, even unjustly. When it wishes grave harm to a neighbor it is a mortal sin: St. Augustine saw envy as "the diabolical sin." "From envy are born hatred, detraction, calumny, joy caused by the misfortune of a neighbor, and displeasure caused by his prosperity."
Footnotes
- Cf. St. Augustine, De catechizandis rudibus 4, 8 PL 40, 315-316.
- St. Gregory the Great Moralia in Job 31, 45: PL 76, 621.
Ecclesiastical Documents (1)