The dove loves when it quarrels; the wolf hates when it flatters.

The saying contrasts two emblematic animals to distinguish loving correction from hateful flattery. The “dove” evokes Christian gentleness and sincerity: even when it “quarrels” (rebukes, argues, corrects), its motive is charity and the other’s good. The “wolf” evokes predation and deceit: even when it “flatters” (speaks smoothly), its motive is hostility or self-interest. Read this way, the line warns against judging by tone alone—harsh words can come from love, and pleasant words can conceal malice—and it commends truthful admonition over soothing but destructive praise.