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

Understand the thought

Meaning in plain English

A promise made during trouble may be abandoned when the trouble passes. The devil’s wish to become a monk disappears as soon as he feels well again.

What the words are saying

The miniature story contrasts two moments of the same character. While suffering, he promises a different life; after recovery, he returns to his old disposition. The joke lies in the distance between urgent words and lasting change. It can describe a commitment made to escape an uncomfortable situation rather than from a settled intention. A careful use looks at what someone actually does afterward, while allowing that people can make sincere promises and still struggle to keep them.

Everyday example

During a rushed deadline, someone promises to start earlier next time but later resumes the same last-minute habits.

When to use it

Use it when a crisis promise fades once the immediate pressure is gone.

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Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.