The Catechism of the Summa - XXXVIII. OF LIBERALITY; AND OF THE SINS OPPOSED THERETO, VIZ., OF AVARICE, AND OF PRODIGALITY (B)

(B)
What are the sins opposed to this virtue?

They are avarice and prodigality (CXVIII.-CXIX.).

What is avarice?

Avarice is the inordinate love of riches (CXVIII. 1, 2).

Is this a grave sin?

If one considers this sin as regards its object, namely, money, it is the least of sins, for it vitiates man's love with regard to exterior goods only, namely, riches; but if one considers the disproportion between the soul, which is spiritual, and riches, to which it is inordinately attached, it is the most degrading of all sins; since therein the soul subjects itself to what is beneath it (CXVIII. 4, 5).

Is this sin particularly dangerous?

Yes, because there is no end to this inordinate love of riches; for to gain riches one may be induced to commit all sorts of crime against God, one's neighbour, and oneself (CXVIII. 5).

Is avarice a capital sin?

Yes, it is one of the capital sins, because it carries with it one of the conditions necessary for happiness which everyone desires, namely, the abundance of goods to which everything is subservient (CXVIII. 7).

What are the daughters of avarice?

They are hardness of heart which knows no pity, disquietude, violence, deceit, perjury, fraud, and treachery; for the inordinate love of riches may lead to excess: as regards the effort to retain them; or as regards the effort to acquire them: on the part of the desire to have riches; or on the part of the endeavour to obtain them: by violence, or by guile: or in words expressed under oath or otherwise; or by deed: as regards things; and as regards persons (CXVIII. 8).

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