That the demons can be tricked is a device Dante uses to demonstrate that while they have a little foresight, the pride they have in so small a thing makes them stupid. While they are physically capable of suppressing humans, they underestimate the intelligence some of the souls have. Dante may also be using them to portray that they were stupid from the start if they thought they could be like God--and even Virgil points out to Dante that there isn't much to fear since their safety has already been affirmed through divine providence. "Do you think, Evil Tail, that you see me here, once already safe from all your tricks, without God's will and favorable fate? Allow us to walk on, for it is willed in Heaven that I guide someone on this savage journey." (pg. 323, 79-84)
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