What exactly does this mean to you?

Question

We are oft to blame in this,

'Tis too much prov'd,

that with devotion's visage,

And pious action, we do sugar o'er

The devil himself.

Answer 1

Shakespear, huh? This is probably homework.

What it means to me:

Many people are guilty of sugar-coating words and justifying actions that are evil or wrong in their intent. Many times we even have a pious attitude about things we do, but we know very well that what we are doing is wrong. Our actions are comparable to the devil's, yet we can cover them up to make it look like we're doing good.

**Hint: it's Hamlet - think disguise...not only disguising our bodies and ourselves, but disguising our intent of our actions and words.

Answer 2

It sounds like someone talking to an audience wondering why people are not upfront with each other.