Meaning & Analysis
The Devil himself is capable of quoting from the Bible or other sacred texts in order to advance his own malevolent objectives.
Insights
Perversion of Truth
The proverb warns that even the most sacred or noble ideas can be twisted to justify wicked deeds. It shows that the appearance of virtue or righteousness can be a mask for malicious intent.
Manipulation and Sophistry
It illustrates how people can selectively use facts or authoritative sources out of context to support their arguments, regardless of the source's original meaning. This highlights the danger of decontextualized information.
Critique of Hypocrisy
The proverb serves as a powerful critique of hypocrisy, exposing those who use the language of morality and piety not as a guide for their own behavior, but as a weapon to control, condemn, or deceive others.
Warning Against False Authority
It cautions that one should not judge the validity of an argument solely by the evidence cited, but must also critically examine the character and motives of the person presenting it.
Biblical and Theological Roots
The proverb's authority is rooted in the New Testament story of the Temptation of Christ (Matthew 4:6), where Satan quotes the Psalms to tempt Jesus. This biblical origin makes the proverb a powerful and widely understood cultural reference, especially in Western traditions.
Literary and Cultural Impact
Shakespeare immortalized this concept in 'The Merchant of Venice', where Antonio remarks, 'An evil soul, producing holy witness, Is like a villain with a smiling cheek'. This connection highlights the proverb's deep resonance within English literature as a primary expression of hypocrisy.
Psychological Dimension
The proverb offers a profound psychological insight into the mechanics of persuasion and manipulation. It demonstrates how appeals to authority (citing a sacred text) can be used to bypass critical thinking, making listeners more susceptible to deceptive arguments.
Contemporary Relevance
In a modern context, 'Scripture' can be seen as any authoritative source—scientific data, legal documents, or historical texts. The proverb serves as a timeless warning against misinformation and the selective use of facts ('cherry-picking') to justify a biased or malicious agenda.
Rhetorical Devices
Irony
The proverb is built on a powerful irony, contrasting the ultimate source of evil (the Devil) with the ultimate source of good (Scripture). This stark juxtaposition makes the warning against deception more potent and memorable.
Symbolism
The 'Devil' and 'Scripture' function as powerful symbols representing the broader concepts of evil/deception and truth/holiness, respectively. This allows the proverb to be applied to many secular contexts.
Antithesis
The proverb creates a sharp antithesis between the malevolent agent (the Devil) and the holy instrument (Scripture), effectively highlighting the theme of good being corrupted for evil ends.
Transcription
Quotations
The Diuell . . . alledgedth al Scripture that may condemne the sinner.
Thou imitates the Deuill in his alleadging of Scriptures, for he neuer brings out an whole text, but so much as is for his owne enorm intended purpose.
What, bring you Scripture to confirm your wrongs?
The Diuell has scripture for his damned ill.
Let no Man henceforth marvel, to hear Heretics or Hypocrites quote Scriptures, when Satan himself hath not spared to cite them.
Bible Citations
And saith [the devil] unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written ..
Shakespeare Citations
The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose. An evil soul, producing holy witness, Is like a villain with a smiling cheek.
Cross References
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
Used under CC BY-NC 3.0.