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Phrase(s): The devil can quote Scripture for his own purpose. [and] The devil can cite Scripture for his own purpose.
Prov. Evil people sometimes try to win the confidence of good people by quoting persuasive passages of Scripture.; Just because someone can quote Scripture to support his or her argument does not mean that the argument is virtuous. (Scripture usually refers to the Bible, but it can refer to other religious writings.) • Sadie: Dad, you really ought to give me permission to go out with Nathan. He’s such a polite boy, and he can even quote the Bible. Father: The devil can quote Scripture for his own purpose.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs