- English translation
Each person has a devil of their own.
- Literal wording
Every one, to him a devil.
- Meaning and lesson
The saying treats temptation as a universal condition rather than a mark of special weakness. Anyone, however upright, has some voice close at hand urging a wrong choice and making it look sensible, so feeling that pull is ordinary and not shameful in itself.
What counts is the response. A tempter may explain why a bad idea felt appealing, yet it never excuses acting on it; the one who acts is still answerable, and is therefore expected to weigh every urge with a clear head before following it.
- When it is used
Fits moments when someone has been led into a bad decision by a persuasive influence, or as a warning against such voices. It should not be quoted to shrug off misconduct; it reminds listeners that blaming the tempter does not lift responsibility from the one who acted.
- Register
- colloquial
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
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