Make not thy friend too cheap to thee, nor thyself to thy friend.

Understand the thought

Meaning in plain English

Do not treat a friend, or yourself within the friendship, as something of little value. Mutual respect helps prevent familiarity from becoming careless use of one another.

What the words are saying

Cheap here suggests undervalued or treated without regard, rather than inexpensive. The saying addresses both directions of a friendship: appreciate the other person and avoid accepting a position in which your own time, wishes or dignity are disregarded. It warns that familiarity can make generous help seem permanently available or taken for granted. The relationship is not a transaction in which every favour must be priced. Its useful standard is reciprocal consideration, including the ability to say no. Respect can remain warm and informal while acknowledging that neither friend is merely a convenient resource.

Everyday example

Two friends agree to ask before borrowing each other’s tools and to return them promptly instead of assuming unlimited access.

When to use it

Use it when familiarity is leading either person to take the other for granted.

Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.