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  What it means

  Literally “Serve God, but do not anger the devil.” The proverb advises being good while staying on good terms with people who have power or might cause harm. It can be ironic about someone trying to please everyone, or serious advice about being careful between two powerful or opposing sides.

  English equivalent

  You can't serve two masters (used ironically, with the opposite twist)

  Vocabulary

  • Bogu — to God (dative of Bóg)
  • służ — serve! (imperative of służyć)
  • diabła — the devil (genitive of diabeł, used after negation)
  • gniewaj — anger, irritate (imperative of gniewać)

  Grammar note

  Both verbs are imperatives, służ and gniewaj, so the proverb sounds like direct advice. After the negative verb nie gniewaj, diabła is in the genitive. This is a normal Polish rule: negation changes a direct object from accusative to genitive. Compare gniewać diabła with nie gniewać diabła.

  Cultural context

  The proverb has a Catholic background, with God and the devil as opposing forces. It is often ironic about a social opportunist who tries to please both sides. Modern Polish speakers may find it slightly formal or literary.

  Intermediate

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