A
cautionary epigram, usually directed at the naive.
There are
any number of reasons why a good deed could
carry evil back upon the head of its perpetrator,
but the essential lesson is that
goodness without
direction can be as bad as
intentional evil. In the
words of the
Old Testament prophet, Karl Marx, "
The
road to hell is paved with good intentions."
Certainly a strong soul could decide to act nobly
no matter what the consequences; accept that even
with the highest motives, mistakes can be made and
people hurt; give of oneself without thought of
reward. Yes, it could happen. But that is
miles away from supposing that being good affords some
sort of protection... oh, dear.