phrase

• People may conceal unworthy motives by reciting words that sound morally authoritative.

  ‘Finally you get the Devil quoting scriptures for his own purposes when he turns the story of Jacob.’

  More example sentences

  • ‘This utterly unbelievable and untrue account of the birth of this nation gives new meaning to the saying "the devil can quote scripture for his purpose too.’

  Origin

  With allusion to the Temptation.