What does the quote "idle hands are the devils playthings" mean?

Question

What does the quote "idle hands are the devils playthings" mean?

Answer 1

When you get bored you find things to do to be entertained and you get into mischief

Answer 2

Basically it means that if you have nothing to do, you'll find some trouble to get into!

Answer 3

Means if you're bored, you're more likely to do something you shouldn't.

Answer 4

"Devil finds work for idle hands" is the way I always heard it.

It means that you are more likely to get into trouble if you have nothing but free time to do so. If you stay busy doing "good" "honest" things than it is easier to resist temptation. But where is the fun in that?  

Answer 5

Usually it is referred to as the "Devil's Handiwork" and it means that when you have nothing else to do you go looking for trouble.

Answer 6

it means that when you are board you tend to get in to trouble or do something your not supposed to do. devils playmates meaning geting into trouble

Answer 7

When you have nothing to do, you usually go looking for trouble.

Answer 8

Not much good can come from an unplanned life

Answer 9

I get distructive when my mind is not entertained

Answer 10

In my opinion it means that if you aren't doing something "good" then you will be doing something bad... In my case, when I'm bored I like to take the lighter into the bathroom, fill the sink, and burn strips of paper over it... Don't ask...

Answer 11

it means unaccupied hands  

Answer 12

when people do stupid things the devil takes happiness in it.