Franklin contrasts two kinds of struggle: the effort to correct one’s own faults and the effort to live peacefully with other people. To be “at war” with one’s vices means actively resisting habits or behaviours that are harmful, dishonest or undisciplined. By contrast, being “at peace” with neighbours means avoiding needless quarrels and maintaining cooperative relations.

The saying redirects conflict inward rather than outward. Instead of concentrating on the shortcomings of others, Franklin suggests that people should devote greater energy to correcting themselves while treating those around them with restraint and goodwill. The contrast does not imply tolerating serious wrongdoing, but it places everyday moral effort first on personal conduct. The broader lesson is that self-discipline and social harmony can reinforce one another: people who examine their own behaviour carefully may be less inclined to create unnecessary disputes with others.