The quote advises a cautious approach to dealings with adversaries. If an enemy arrives armed, one should be open to communication while remaining prepared for potential conflict. This suggests a balance between diplomatic engagement and self-protection. The approach should be similar if the enemy comes unarmed, emphasizing that one should always be ready for unforeseen threats.

However, the quote takes a more aggressive stance when the enemy arrives with gifts. In this situation, it advises maintaining vigilance and readiness to defend against possible deceit or ulterior motives. This emphasizes the importance of skepticism in negotiations, especially when an enemy attempts to make a friendly overture.