Meaning of the word "be slow in choosing a friend, but slower in changing him" in English

What does "be slow in choosing a friend, but slower in changing him" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

be slow in choosing a friend, but slower in changing him

US /biː sloʊ ɪn ˈtʃuːzɪŋ ə frend, bʌt ˈsloʊər ɪn ˈtʃeɪndʒɪŋ hɪm/
UK /biː sləʊ ɪn ˈtʃuːzɪŋ ə frend, bʌt ˈsləʊər ɪn ˈtʃeɪndʒɪŋ hɪm/
"be slow in choosing a friend, but slower in changing him" picture

Idiom

A proverb advising to take time to select friends carefully and to be even more reluctant to end a friendship.

Example:
Remember the old advice: be slow in choosing a friend, but slower in changing him.
Benjamin Franklin once said, 'Be slow in choosing a friend, but slower in changing him.'