Franklin advises caution both when forming a friendship and when deciding to end one. Choosing a friend slowly means allowing time to judge another person’s character, reliability and compatibility before placing significant trust in them. Close friendship carries obligations and influence, so it should not be based only on first impressions or temporary enthusiasm.

The second half places even greater weight on preserving an established friendship. Once trust and shared experience have developed, disagreements or disappointments should not automatically lead to separation. Franklin’s point is not that harmful or dishonest relationships must be maintained, but that genuine friendship deserves patience and careful judgement. The saying therefore balances discernment with loyalty: be selective before granting trust, but do not withdraw it lightly once it has been earned. Lasting friendships depend both on sound choices at the beginning and on steadiness when difficulties arise.