"A pious man is one who would be an atheist if the king were"

This quote by Jean de la Bruyere suggests that a pious man is not necessarily religious, however rather somebody who wants to conform to the beliefs of the judgment power. This indicates that a pious guy is not always devoted to a particular faith, but rather wants to alter his beliefs to match the scenario. This could be translated as a criticism of those who are willing to alter their beliefs to harmonize the judgment power, recommending that they are not truly committed to their faith. It might likewise be analyzed as a warning to those in power, suggesting that they must not take the commitment of their subjects for approved, as they might not be as dedicated to their faith as they appear. Ultimately, this quote suggests that a pious guy is somebody who is willing to change their beliefs to match the circumstance, instead of someone who is genuinely devoted to a particular faith.