“A doubtful friend is worse than a certain enemy”
— Aesop
Simplified Meaning:
Having a friend you can't trust is more harmful than having an enemy you know is out to get you. When you know someone is against you, you can prepare yourself and take steps to protect yourself. For example, if you have a classmate who openly dislikes you, you can avoid them and not share personal information with them. But if you have a friend who constantly makes you question their loyalty, it causes more stress and confusion because you never know if they will support you or betray you. Imagine telling a personal secret to a friend who might gossip about you—this uncertainty can be very damaging. It's better to be sure about who is not your friend than to live with doubt about someone who is supposed to be on your side. To lead a more peaceful life, surround yourself with people you fully trust and avoid those who make you uneasy.