The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs (121 page)
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The DEVIL can quote Scripture for his own ends
The proverb alludes to the temptation of Christ by the Devil (MATTHEW iv) when the latter quotes a passage from Psalm xci.
1596
Merchant of Venice
I. iii. 93
The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose. An evil soul producing holy witness Is like a villain with a smiling cheek.
1761
Apology
15
Thus Candour's maxims flow from Rancour's throat, As devils, to serve their purpose, Scripture quote.
1843
Martin Chuzzlewit
xi.
Is any one surprised at Mr. Jonas making such a reference to such a book for such a purpose? Does any one doubt the old saw that the Devil (being a layman) quotes Scripture for his own ends.
1937
Ten Teacups
xiii.
The versatile personage in our popular proverbs, who .. quotes Scripture for his own ends.
1955
Loser takes All
I. 54
His use of a biblical phrase gave her a touch of shivers, of
diablerie
—the devil at his old game of quoting scripture.
1997
Washington Times
25 July A4
The devil can quote Scripture, as we all know, so why not a politician?
good and evil
;
hypocrisy
1596Merchant of Venice
I. iii. 93
The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose. An evil soul producing holy witness Is like a villain with a smiling cheek.
1761
Apology
15
Thus Candour's maxims flow from Rancour's throat, As devils, to serve their purpose, Scripture quote.
1843
Martin Chuzzlewit
xi.
Is any one surprised at Mr. Jonas making such a reference to such a book for such a purpose? Does any one doubt the old saw that the Devil (being a layman) quotes Scripture for his own ends.
1937
Ten Teacups
xiii.
The versatile personage in our popular proverbs, who .. quotes Scripture for his own ends.
1955
Loser takes All
I. 54
His use of a biblical phrase gave her a touch of shivers, of
diablerie
—the devil at his old game of quoting scripture.
1997
Washington Times
25 July A4
The devil can quote Scripture, as we all know, so why not a politician?
good and evil;
hypocrisy
The DEVIL finds work for idle hands to do
Idleness and mischief are linked in ST. JEROME
Letters CXXV
. xi.
fac et aliquid operis
,
ut semper te diabolus inveniat occupatum
, do something, so that the devil may always find you busy; cf.
c
1386
CHAUCER
Tale of Melibee
l. 1594 Therfore seith Seint Jerome: ‘Dooth somme goode dedes that the devel, which is oure enemy, ne fynde yow nat unocupied.’
1715
Divine Songs
29
In Works of Labour or of Skill I would be busy too: For Satan finds some mischief still for idle Hands to do.
1721
Scottish Proverbs
221
If the Devil find a Man idle, he'll set him on Work.
1792
Vindication of Rights of Woman
ix.
There is a homely proverb, which speaks a shrewd truth, that whoever the devil finds idle he will employ … What but habitual idleness can hereditary wealth and titles produce?
1941
Hills look Down
iv.
Better keep busy, and the devil won't find so much for your idle hands to do.
1980
Times
30 June 15
There is a risk that youngsters will leave school and college to find themselves unwanted, with the devil finding work for idle hands to do.
1997
Spectator
1 Nov. 25
There is potential for such a large new intake to become bored. We all know who makes work for idle hands.
idleness
Letters CXXV
. xi.
fac et aliquid operis
,
ut semper te diabolus inveniat occupatum
, do something, so that the devil may always find you busy; cf.
c
1386
CHAUCER
Tale of Melibee
l. 1594 Therfore seith Seint Jerome: ‘Dooth somme goode dedes that the devel, which is oure enemy, ne fynde yow nat unocupied.’
1715Divine Songs
29
In Works of Labour or of Skill I would be busy too: For Satan finds some mischief still for idle Hands to do.
1721
Scottish Proverbs
221
If the Devil find a Man idle, he'll set him on Work.
1792
Vindication of Rights of Woman
ix.
There is a homely proverb, which speaks a shrewd truth, that whoever the devil finds idle he will employ … What but habitual idleness can hereditary wealth and titles produce?
1941
Hills look Down
iv.
Better keep busy, and the devil won't find so much for your idle hands to do.
1980
Times
30 June 15
There is a risk that youngsters will leave school and college to find themselves unwanted, with the devil finding work for idle hands to do.
1997
Spectator
1 Nov. 25
There is potential for such a large new intake to become bored. We all know who makes work for idle hands.
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