This is not a topic I really want to write about. I once heard something along the lines of, “If you are looking at the devil, he is looking at you.” Meaning, keep your curiosity in check. But, he is mentioned in the Scriptures and he is prowling about this world, so he bears including in my 31 Days series on Bible Quotes. In addition to Bible quotes about the devil, I’ll also quote some from the saints. Although this series is quotes from the Bible, just like reading an owner’s manual can tell you a lot about a car, it’s also a good practice to gather information from those who have driven that car…or those who have information on the devil.
Bible Quotes About the Devil
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One of the most important things we can do to keep the enemy at bay is to remain in the state of grace. “The devil fishes in troubled water,” as the saying goes. Saint Thomas Moore is quoted as saying, “The Devil never runs upon a man to seize him with his claws until he sees him on the ground, already having fallen by his own will.” The Scriptures tell us the enemy is prowling about…he’s watching, waiting for us to slip and then he pounces.
My husband always reminds me a robber/burglar/thief is an opportunist. If the doors are locked, more often than not they move on to the next place where the doors may not be locked. So keep your doors locked…the doors to your heart, mind and soul. Staying in the state of grace by keeping careful watch over our senses will keep the enemy locked out.
[Tweet “The devil will tempt you with bad books, bad thoughts, or the foul conversation of a companion. -Saint John Bosco”]
There is a fine line in the world today that must be walked. On one side there are those who attribute more to the devil than he has. They find him everywhere from food poisoning to nightmares. On the other side of the line, there are those who consider him some mythical creature used in stories to make us behave. You can obviously see the problem with either side of the line.
Look, the devil is real..very real. He is roaming the world searching for souls to devour. He doesn’t bother those he already has. So if you’re being bothered, consider it a good sign…relatively speaking.
But remember, the devil only has the power afforded him by God. ‘Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world” as the Scriptures say. So do not fear.
Do not let temptations frighten you; they are the trials of the soul whom God wants to test when He knows that he is strong enough to sustain the battle and weave his garland of glory with his own hands.
-Saint Padre Pio
Be cautious but not fearful…Careful but not obsessed…Aware of but not consumed by…
Here is your free printable Bible Quotes About the Devil. I would spend a little time looking up these passages, we need to know who our enemy is. But I would spend more time looking at passages about the love of God. We have a greater need to know who the lover of our soul is. Also, look more to your Guardian Angel than to the fallen angels.
The devil writes down our sins—our guardian angel all our merits. Labor that the guardian angel’s book may be full, and the devil’s empty.
–St. John Vianney
Bible Quotes Resources
My large print Bible
(This is my go-to Bible. It’s large print and just feels nice in my hands.)
Ignatius Catholic Study Bible: New Testament
(I use this Bible when I’m looking for some more information about the text.)
The Catholic Bible Concordance for the Revised Standard Version
(You want to know where a word is in the Bible? This is the book for you!)
The Great Commentary of Cornelius A’ Lapide
(I use this commentary for more information as well.)
A Practical Commentary On Holy Scripture
(I like this commentary because it also has reflections and applications.)
I love that quote of St. John Vianney — let’s build up the ‘good list’ with our guardian angel! 😉
I totally agree Laurel! And let’s teach our children the same form an early age.
I’m sure you must have heard of this book, but if you haven’t this whole post very much reminds me of the Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. I once read somewhere that confession not only cleanses our souls of sin but it also cleanses the devil’s memory of them, meaning that the more frequently you go to confession the harder it is for him to gain a foothold in you simply because his recollection of our weaknesses becomes inhibited and truncated. It’s definitely an interesting thing to think about!
I’ve not ever heard that about confession! I just listened to a great talk given by an exorcist–although I typically don’t listen to that kind of stuff–SCARY!! Anyway, he was saying the devil will use your memory and imagination to tempt and torment you. He said that’s why he constantly tells people to absolutely avoid porn and other things we should not see.
I really enjoyed your article! It’s true that we should not dwell on the devil but I worry that some people have forgotten him altogether and so are not prepared for squashing his temptations. I love the quotes you pulled, they were beautiful. Your site is filled with such great information! I will take some time to go through it now!
Some people have forgotten him you’re right. On the other hand, I live in an area where a new order of Exorcist Priests is being formed and people are finding the devil under every rock instead of every other one, lol!