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Causes Quote by Charles Spurgeon

“For my part, I love to stand foot to foot with an honest foeman. To open warfare, bold and true hearts raise no objection but the ground of quarrel; it is covert enmity which we have most cause to fear, and best reason to loathe. That crafty kindness which inveigles me to sacrifice principle is…” quote by Charles Spurgeon
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“For my part, I love to stand foot to foot with an honest foeman. To open warfare, bold and true hearts raise no objection but the ground of quarrel; it is covert enmity which we have most cause to fear, and best reason to loathe. That crafty kindness which inveigles me to sacrifice principle is the serpent in the grass - deadly to the incautious wayfarer.”

Charles Spurgeon

About This Quote

Source Sermon: The Serpent in the Grass, 1865

True conflict arises from hidden hostility, not overt battle; false kindness that tempts compromise is dangerous.

In simple terms: Hidden enmity is more threatening than open war.

Key Takeaway

Beware deceptive kindness that erodes principles.

Themes

conflict integrity trust

Mood

cautious reflective

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • leadership
  • personal relationships
  • negotiations
  • ethical decisions

Key Concepts

moral philosophy psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you recognize hidden threats in relationships?
  • What safeguards protect your principles?
A Different Perspective

Covert hostility can be hard to detect and may lead to betrayal.

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