God send me a friend that may tell me my faults; if not, an enemy, he will be sure to.

The saying values frank correction. A true friend is wished for because a friend can point out one’s defects with concern, rather than conceal them out of politeness or fear of causing offence.

If no friend offers such honesty, an enemy may expose the same faults through criticism. Hostile remarks may be worth examining for possible insight, but the saying does not treat every enemy’s accusation as true or well meant.

Use it when stressing the value of candid feedback or urging someone to consider criticism rather than dismiss it because it comes from an unfriendly person. It suits reflective discussion of self-knowledge, friendship, and correction; its religious opening may sound formal or old-fashioned today.