Skip to content

Great saying by great authors Quote by Apocrypha

“Never trust thine enemy: for like as iron rusteth, so is his wickedness. Though he humble himself and go crouching, yet take good heedand beware of him, and thou shalt be unto him as if thou hadst wiped a looking-glass,and thou shalt know that his rust hath not been altogether wiped away.” quote by Apocrypha
Download Open image
“Never trust thine enemy: for like as iron rusteth, so is his wickedness. Though he humble himself and go crouching, yet take good heedand beware of him, and thou shalt be unto him as if thou hadst wiped a looking-glass,and thou shalt know that his rust hath not been altogether wiped away.”

Apocrypha

About This Quote

Source Book: Apocrypha, unknown author, medieval collection

Beware that a person's outward humility may hide deep, unremoved corruption, similar to rust that cannot be fully cleaned.

In simple terms: Appearances can hide lingering corruption.

Key Takeaway

Stay vigilant and assess character beyond surface behavior.

Themes

trust deception character integrity

Mood

cautious skeptical

Type

advice warning

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • leadership
  • political alliances

Key Concepts

moral vigilance human nature

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you evaluate true character?
  • What signs indicate lingering corruption?
A Different Perspective

Even humbled behavior may not erase past misdeeds.

2.6 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Apocrypha

Explore all 4 Apocrypha quotes

More Great saying by great authors quotes

Browse all 605 Great saying by great authors quotes