Trust no friend with that you need fear him if he were your enemy.

This quote suggests that one should not entrust a friend with anything that could harm them if it were to fall into the hands of an enemy. Essentially, it is a cautionary advice about maintaining boundaries and safeguarding personal interests even in friendships. It emphasizes the importance of discretion and careful judgement in all relationships, implying that even friends can inadvertently or intentionally cause harm if given too much power or knowledge.

This idea holds relevance today as we live in a world where personal information can easily be shared and misused due to advancements in technology and social media platforms. It’s vital to be mindful about what we share with others – not just with friends but also on public platforms where data privacy is often compromised.

In terms of personal development, this quote encourages us to develop discernment, emotional intelligence, and self-protection skills. It reminds us that while trust is important for healthy relationships, it must be balanced with prudence. This isn’t about fostering suspicion towards friends but rather promoting self-respect and mutual respect within relationships.

It also highlights the value of setting healthy boundaries which prevents over-dependence on others for our happiness or success. We are reminded to take responsibility for our own lives without giving away too much control or power to others – even those who are closest to us.

Thus, Herbert’s words serve as timeless wisdom promoting self-awareness, caution in sharing sensitive information or power dynamics within friendships which remain relevant today amidst modern complexities of human interactions.