"A doubtful friend is worse than a certain enemy."

Having a friend you can't trust is more dangerous than having a clear-cut enemy. Think about it. When you know someone doesn't have your back—like an enemy—at least you know where you stand. You can prepare, strategize, keep your guard up. But with a friend who's doubtful, you're vulnerable. You expect support, but instead, you get betrayal right when you least expect it.

Take, for example, Julius Caesar. His most famous betrayal came from Brutus—someone he considered a close friend. Caesar could have handled an outright enemy, but the unexpected treachery from Brutus was devastating. It wasn’t just the physical attack; it was the emotional betrayal that hurt the most. Caesar’s last words, "Et tu, Brute?" capture that sense of shock and heartbreak. This shows why a doubtful or false friend can do more damage than an enemy who's openly hostile.

Now, imagine your own life. Let's say you’re working on a project at your job. You’ve got a team, and you rely on each member to pull their weight. One of your teammates is a close friend. Or so you think. You count on them to handle a crucial part of the project, but they’re doubtful and unreliable. They miss deadlines, provide subpar work, and worst of all, they don’t communicate their struggles. The project fails. Your reputation takes a hit. All the while, an openly competitive coworker you knew to keep at arm’s length didn’t surprise you; you were prepared for their tactics. But the so-called friend? Their lack of reliability was the real killer.

So, what’s the advice here? Keep your circle tight and trustworthy. Evaluate the people around you. If you feel uneasy about someone, trust your gut. It’s better to keep a distance from a doubtful friend than to be blindsided by their inconsistency. Be clear-eyed about who’s truly in your corner.

Here’s a little scenario to chew on. Imagine you’re planning a big life event—your wedding, for instance. You’ve got your best friend as your maid of honor. She’s been acting strange—missing appointments, not answering your calls. You dismiss it, thinking she’ll come around. The big day arrives, and she’s nowhere to be found. It’s a mess. The florists are asking questions, the caterers need directions, and you’re left scrambling. Meanwhile, that one colleague who’s always been a bit of a rival? They step up, take charge, and save the day. The friend you doubted ended up causing chaos, while the person you kept at a distance surprised you with their reliability.

In short, cherish and trust the ones who show up consistently. Be wary of those who make you second-guess. A true enemy is predictable, but a doubtful friend? That’s a wild card you don’t need in your hand.