ProverbChallengeEnglish originc. 1597

The devil can quote Scripture to suit his purpose.

Meaning: Skilled manipulators exploit truth selectively, twisting knowledge to justify deception.

Who said it? William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice, c. 1597

Origin: From Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice (c. 1597), where Antonio, hearing Shylock justify lending at interest with a Bible story, remarks: "The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose." The idea goes back to the Gospels, where Satan tempts Jesus in the wilderness by quoting a psalm.

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