proverb · Words worth keeping
A pack of playing cards is in the devil's prayer book.
A pack of playing cards is in the devil's prayer book.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Playing cards placed in the devil’s prayer book gives a pastime a severe moral or religious condemnation. The saying associates cards with an imagined harmful influence.
Example
Someone considers the actual conditions of a game rather than judging every player through a supernatural label.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
This is a moral outlook, not a verified supernatural fact or proof that every card game is gambling or harmful. A critical reading can examine particular stakes, pressure and consequences without condemning all players. No precise doctrine or original tradition is asserted here.
When to use it
Use it critically as one moral view of a pastime.
Keep in mind
No supernatural finding or universal harm from playing cards is established.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
Germany
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin.- Historical period
- Date unknown
- Culture
- Germany