Belphegor (representing
sloth) is depicted as SLOTH incarnate. This sin is considered on of the
flesh. Usually it is represented by scenes of falling asleep on the job,
especially if the job is being performed by a monk. When in a state of
Sloth, negligence and apathy soon set in. The donkey, a slow-moving, lazy creature
is Sloth's representative animal.
Thomas Aquinas wrote that
all sins that are due to ignorance are due to Sloth. One needs to be awake
and alert to even begin to set out on, and maintain, a spiritual practice,
thus the opposing virtue is Diligence.
