The Gift of Being Yourself: The Sacred Call to Self-Discovery (The Spiritual Journey, #2)

by David G. Benner

core sins identified by the Enneagram are each associated with a core need.6 The needs are basic human needs, such as a need for love, for security or for perfection. The sin consists in making these something of ultimate value—that is, making them into God. Ones need to be perfect and, discovering that neither they nor anything else in their world is perfect, are tempted by self-righteous anger. A good biblical example of this type is Paul. Twos need to be loved and needed, and their competence in making this happen sets them up for pride. Martha is a good biblical example of a Two. Threes need to be successful and are tempted to deceit, as they do whatever they have to do to avoid failure and appear in the best possible light. Jacob illustrates this type. Fours need to be special and are tempted toward envy, escapist fantasy and a compromise of authenticity. Joseph, the Old Testament patriarch, illustrates this type. Fives need knowledge, long for fulfillment, and are tempted by greed, stinginess and critical detachment. Thomas, the so-called doubting disciple, fits this pattern. Sixes need security and are tempted by fear, self-doubt and cowardice. Timothy is a good example of a Six. Sevens need to avoid pain and are tempted by gluttony and intemperance. Solomon is a biblical example of this type. Eights need power, self-reliance and opportunities to be against something and are tempted by lust, arrogance and the desire to possess and control others. King Saul is a good...