What does this quote mean?

“Allay the anger of your friend by kindness.”

Kindness can lower the temperature of conflict more effectively than matching a friend’s anger with additional anger.

Source note: The Moral Sayings of Publius Syrus, maxim 3, in Darius Lyman’s 1856 English rendering; maxim order can vary across editions.

“every unostentatious word or smile that shows a heart awake to others”

The phrase values small, unshowy signs of attention because they reveal active awareness of other people rather than performative benevolence.

Source note: Daniel Deronda; narrator-level phrase in a passage about unnoticed social influence and responsiveness to others.

“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”

Love is measured by conduct rather than verbal display, making practical help and truthful action more important than affectionate claims alone.

Source note: 1 John 3:18 in the King James Version, following a contrast between having resources and closing oneself to another person’s need.

“To err is human; to forgive, divine.”

Error is treated as ordinary human limitation, while forgiveness requires an additional act of generosity.

Source note: An Essay on Criticism, Part II; Pope warns that shallow learning can produce premature confidence before deeper study tempers judgment.

“Charity suffereth long, and is kind.”

Love is defined partly through patience and kindness, shifting the idea from emotion alone toward repeated behavior under strain.

Source note: 1 Corinthians 13:4 in the King James Version; this is the opening clause of the verse.

“Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.”

The advice combines generosity with judgment: goodwill can be broad while trust remains selective.

Source note: All’s Well That Ends Well, Act 1, Scene 1; the Countess gives Bertram compact advice about conduct before he leaves.