Good or Bad Intentions?

I quote from Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton:

It is difficult to say who do you the most harm: enemies with the worst intentions or friends with the best.


Using a simple example of a smoker, which decision will be more "harmful" to that person? Person A advices this person not to smoke at all? Or Person B lights up a cigarette and smokes together with this person?

Good intentions need not necessary mean that the decision is the easiest. The best intention usually will bring you out of the comfort zone, causing you to make difficult choices. Therefore, do not judge friends based on who treats you the best.

Sometimes the best thing to do is also the hardest thing you can do.