Enemies disguised as Friends

There are four types of people who should be known as enemies disguised as friends

1. the greedy person
2. one who speaks but does not act,
3. the flatterer
4. the squanderer.

The greedy person is an enemy disguised as a friend for four reasons.

• He is greedy;
• he gives little and asks much;
• if he does what he should, it is only out of fear,
• he pursues his own interests only.

He who speaks but does not act is an enemy disguised as a friend for four reasons.

• He reminds you of the good done on your behalf in the past;
• he talks of good he will do on your behalf in the future;
• he tries to win your favour with empty words;
• when the opportunity to help arises, he pleads helplessness.

The flatterer is an enemy disguised as a friend for four reasons.

• He encourages you to do wrong;
• he discourages you from doing right;
• he praises you to your face
• and speaks ill of you behind your back.

The squanderer is an enemy disguised as a friend for four reasons also.

• He is your companion when you drink,
• when you frequent the streets at untimely hours,
• when you haunt low shows and fairs,
• and he is your companion when you gamble.
  

A friend who always wants to take, A friend who says but doesn't do, A friend who uses flattering words, A friend who joins you in wrong -These four friends are really foes, And one who is wise, having understood this, Will avoid them from afar, As if they were a dangerous road.

胡