Overcoming Sin through Christ
A Comprehensive List of Sins
(Alphabetically Arranged)
Richard Hollerman
The plan of this study is simple. We will look at a large number of sins, one by one, alphabetically. We will define the sin, describe it, and comment on it, along with noticing Scripture references on the particular entry. Some illustrations will be offered along with the description.
Belittling or Disparaging
The English word belittle means “to regard or portray as less impressive or important than appearances indicate; disparage.” [i] It means “to represent or speak of as contemptibly small or unimportant.”[ii] It can denote such words as “make light of, deride, scorn, disdain, sneer at, malign, minimize, underrate, and depreciate.”
Although the word may not be found in our Bible translation, we can quickly see that this sin violates principles of love, that which seeks the highest good of another person. Paul says, “Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14). I can recall that when I was a young boy, Mother would warn us not to “belittle” our siblings. Children have a propensity to this practice. Would it be loving to belittle, to disdain, to scorn another person? “Love is kind,” “does not act unbecomingly,” and “does not seek its own” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5).
In light of this, can a person who loves another disparage him, put him down, or make him look small and inferior? Usually the one who belittles another is trying to make himself look impressive. But remember that Paul wrote, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important that yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). Indeed, the Christian will never want to belittle or disparage another person if he loves that person.
[i] Random House Websters College Dictionary.
[ii] The American Heritage College Dictionary.