"Pardonner les méchants, c'est nuire aux bons"

Simplified Meaning:

When you forgive someone who has done something wrong without any consequences, it can hurt those who do the right thing. Imagine a classroom where a student cheats on a test and the teacher knows but doesn't give any punishment. Other students, who studied hard and followed the rules, might feel that their honest effort isn't valued. This might make them think that cheating is okay because there are no real consequences. In a workplace, if a boss ignores an employee who is not doing their job properly, it can make other hardworking employees feel unappreciated. They might lose motivation and the quality of work could drop. Forgiving bad behavior too easily can send a message that it's acceptable. This can hurt the spirit and morale of those who are trying to do their best and follow the rules. It's important to balance forgiveness with fairness, ensuring that good behavior is rewarded and bad behavior is properly addressed.