God sends meat, and the devil sends cooks.

The saying jokes that divine providence may supply excellent food, only for disastrous cooks to spoil it. Its contrast between God and the devil emphasizes the frustration of seeing good ingredients defeated by bad preparation.

Figuratively, it blames poor stewardship rather than the thing provided: a worthwhile resource, plan, or opportunity may come to nothing when incompetent or careless people are charged with using it.

Say it wryly when a meal squanders fine ingredients, or when something valuable is spoiled through clumsy management or execution. It directs blame toward those handling the good thing, not toward the thing itself.