«حَرَّسْ مِنْ صَاحْبَكْ وَلَا تْخَوِّنُهْ»

The saying separates private caution from open suspicion. A person may sensibly keep some protection in place even with a close companion, holding back what could be lost or misused, while never regarding or treating that companion as a traitor. The warning is against presuming disloyalty, not against committing betrayal.

The balance serves two goals at once. Discreet watchfulness spares you harm if trust fails, and withholding accusations keeps the friendship intact, because a friend who feels suspected may grow resentful or distant even when innocent.

Suitable when advising someone to protect their interests within a friendship or partnership, such as guarding money or secrets, without voicing suspicion or damaging the relationship. It frames prudence as a private habit rather than open distrust or an accusation.