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.

Pouting

We all know what it is.  We think of a child who doesn’t get his way and petulantly walks away to pout in silence.  A mother sternly rebukes her daughter who then isolates herself from mother and family and pouts in anger.  The word pout is defined as “to show displeasure or disappointment; sulk.  To protrude the lips in displeasure or sulkiness. . . . a fit of petulant sulkiness.”[1][1]

Again, it means “to thrust out the lips, especially in displeasure or sullenness. . . . to look or be sullen.”[2][2]  To sulk means “to be sullenly aloof or withdrawn, as in silent resentment or protest. . . . a mood or display of sullen aloofness or withdrawal.”[3][3] Whether we notice the characteristic, “protrusion of the lips” or not, we recognize the attitude and disposition that expresses pouting.

Although parents think that pouting or sullenness is particularly something that children are guilty of, if we think this through, we must conclude that adults can be guilty of pouting as well.  This is illustrated well in the case of the wicked King Ahab.  Ahab wanted Naboth’s vineyard but he refused to sell the property to the king.  Did Ahab accept the disappointment and go on to other kingly duties?

As Christians, we would simply commit it to God and know that God knows best.  But this isn’t what Ahab did.  Scripture says, “So Ahab came into the house sullen and vexed because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him; for he said, ‘I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.’  And he lay down on his bed and turned away his face and ate no food” (1 Kings 21:4).  As the account continues, this led to Ahab’s evil wife Jezebel’s false charges and the murder of the innocent Naboth—just to get his property.

We may look at Ahab’s attitude and actions as childish since this is just what undisciplined children may do.  He was “sullen” and “vexed” because he didn’t get what he wanted!  He went to far as to lay down on his bed and turned away his face and refused to eat!  Yes, this is childish behavior but adults can be guilty of the same selfish, foolish, and sinful attitudes.  Have you ever expressed such a pouting attitude?

Pouting reveals a self-centered attitude that demands one’s own way.  It shows a self- focus that is unwilling to accept reality and refuses to communicate with people.  Pouting or sullenness usually manifests an angry attitude and a resentful spirit.

In the case of a child, he or she may refuse to be consoled by the parent and refuse to act differently.  He makes things miserable for the whole family.  It often reveals a disobedient attitude toward the parent.  Instead of focusing on the needs of others, a pouting child (or adult) is more centered on self, thus pouting shows a lack of love toward others.  Let’s run away from this sullen, sulking, pouting attitude and behavior. Let’s trust in Paul’s statement that “God causes all things to work together for good” (Romans 8:28a).

 

[1][1] The American Heritage College Dictionary.

[2][2] Random House Webster’s College Dictionary.

[3][3] The American Heritage College Dictionary.