The Devil Was Sick, the Devil a Monk Would Be; The Devil Grew Well, the Devil a Monk Was He.

Fear and suffering can prompt a person to promise a profound change. The promise may reflect the pressure of the moment rather than a lasting commitment.

Once the danger has passed, that person may return to old habits. The proverb contrasts earnest-sounding intentions during hardship with conduct after relief arrives.

Use it when someone promises to mend their ways during a crisis but drops the promise once life becomes comfortable again. It can express skepticism about a change of heart that has not yet been tested by better circumstances.