Final answer:
The aphorism suggests that if a person behaves inappropriately in one situation, it is unlikely they will behave appropriately in another, as personal conduct is believed to be consistent across different scenarios.
Step-by-step explanation:
This aphorism by Franklin means that if a person is not acting correctly in one situation, don't assume that she will act correctly in another. The saying implies that a person's behavior is consistent across different situations and that one should not expect a radical change in conduct or ethics based on the context.
It encourages the idea that personal integrity and values are stable and suggests that these characteristics manifest in all situations a person may find themselves in.
The adage underscores the complexity of human behavior and the importance of considering the specific context before forming opinions about someone's character. It encourages a nuanced understanding of individuals, recognizing the variability and adaptability of human actions across different scenarios rather than making sweeping generalizations based on isolated instances of behavior.