Don’t look for bad things in the good that you do.

Understand the thought

Meaning in plain English

Not looking for bad things in one’s good actions asks a person not to undo a positive contribution through habitual negative scrutiny. The exact relation between good and bad remains open.

What the words are saying

A qualified reading can resist needless self-criticism without making good intentions immune to review. An action thought helpful can still have harmful effects. A useful application recognises genuine benefit while remaining willing to listen and repair a problem.

Everyday example

Someone acknowledges a useful contribution and also considers feedback about an unintended consequence.

When to use it

Use it as a qualified encouragement alongside accountability.

Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.