DEUT927 Although we must judge people favorably, we should always be on the alert not to be cheated. The Chofetz Chayim used to say, "The Torah obliges us to trust wholeheartedly in God, but not in man. A person must always be on the alert not to be cheated." (Chofetz Chayim al Hatorah, on this verse). The Chofetz Chayim devoted his life to spreading the principle of brotherly love, the prohibition against speaking against others, and the commandment to judge people favorably. Though he was not the least bit cynical, he was also not naïve. He understood the world and human weaknesses. ... In Mesichta Derech Eretz Rabbah (ch.5) it is stated that we should honor every person we meet as we would Rabbi Gamliel [head of the Sanhedrin] but we should nevertheless be suspicious that he might be dishonest.