Original sentence: The friendship between gentlemen is as light as water, while the friendship between villains is as sweet as wine.

Interpretation: The friendship between gentlemen has no suspicion between them. Suspicion is almost non-existent and is as light as water. Most of the interactions between villains are to burn bridges across rivers and are just based on the friendship of fair-weather.

First of all, "The friendship between gentlemen is as light as water" is an ideal state of making friends. It encourages people to work towards this aspect in making friends. In this way, although they cannot reach that state, they will still make it possible. Friendship is purer.

Secondly, "The friendship between gentlemen is as light as water" can also guide people to pay attention to the "degree" of mutual relationships in friendship. If this "degree" is not appropriate, it will become a factor that kills friendship. rope.

"The friendship between gentlemen is as light as water" is the opposite of "the friendship between villains is as sweet as sweet wine". In the friendship between friends, there is an appropriate distance between them, but their hearts are close to each other, and they stick together closely; in the friendship among villains, they are often close together, but they are mentally separated from each other and it is difficult to communicate. Between gentlemen, say what you should say and do what you should do; between villains, say what your friends want to hear and do what your friends want to do. Extended information

The allusion of the friendship between gentlemen is as light as water:

During the Zhenguan period of the Tang Dynasty, before Xue Rengui succeeded in his ambition, he lived with his wife in a dilapidated cave dwelling, without food and clothing, relying entirely on Wang Maosheng Couples often support each other. Later, Xue Rengui joined the army. When he followed Emperor Taizong Li Shimin in the Eastern Expedition, he was named "King of Ping Liao" because of his particularly great contribution to Ping Liao.

Once he climbed to the Dragon Gate, he was worth a hundred times his worth. There was an endless stream of civil and military ministers who came to the palace to give gifts and congratulations, but they were all politely declined by Xue Rengui. The only thing he accepted was "two jars of fine wine" sent by ordinary citizen Wang Maosheng.

As soon as the wine jar was opened, the deacon responsible for unsealing it was so frightened that his face turned pale because the jar contained water instead of fine wine! "I would like to report to your lord, this person is so bold to tease your lord, please punish him severely!" Unexpectedly, Xue Rengui was not angry after hearing this, but ordered the deacon to get a big bowl and drink three big bowls of the food sent by Wang Maosheng in public. Clear water.

The civil and military officials present were puzzled. After drinking three large bowls of water, Xue Rengui said: "When I was in trouble in the past, I relied on the constant support of the Wang brothers and their wife. Without them, I would not be as prosperous and wealthy as I am today." . Now I don’t drink wine or accept generous gifts, but I accept the water sent by Brother Wang, because I know that Brother Wang is poor, and sending water is also a kind gesture from Brother Wang. "This is called the friendship between gentlemen. ”

After that, Xue Rengui had a close relationship with Wang Maosheng’s family, and the saying “The friendship between gentlemen is as light as water” has been passed down.

Reference: The friendship between gentlemen is as light as water, Friendship between villains is sweet - Baidu Encyclopedia