proverb · Legacy record
You can create enemies by speaking the truth; however they are better than the friends obtained by flattery.
You can create enemies by speaking the truth; however they are better than the friends obtained by flattery.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Enemies from truth preferred to friends from flattery values honesty above approval gained through pleasing falsehood. The saying accepts a possible social cost of candour.
What the words are saying
A responsible reading does not make every hostile reaction proof of truth or every compliment dishonest. Honest speech still needs support, relevance and care. A useful application can refuse misleading praise while preserving respectful relationships and boundaries; conflict is not itself a virtue.
Everyday example
Someone offers a supported concern kindly rather than praising something they believe misleading merely to gain approval.
When to use it
Use it to discuss honest regard without cultivating hostility.
Put a useful idea into practice: try the free seven-day guide ↗
What it does not mean
No truth test from opposition or universal falsity of praise is established.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
Egypt
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin.- Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference (2014 AD)
Supplied reference B; unit 597; PDF page 55; collection label: Egypt
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.
- Culture
- Egypt