Verse 37:4 tells us that Joseph's brothers "hated him and could speak with him civilly." (וישנאו אתו ולא יכלו דברו לשלום.)
Rashi's comment is that "Even as the Torah degrades the brothers, it tells us something good about them; the brothers were not two-faced people who spoke one way with their mouths and one way with their hearts."
In other words, although the brothers were clearly filled with rage and hate, we have to give them points for honesty. An honest enemy is less dangerous and preferable to a dishonest enemy who speaks from both sides of his mouth. An honest foe can be identified and avoided. Moreover, we can engage an honest enemy in dialogue that may eventually lead to a resolution of the conflict.
A dishonest foe, however, can hide in the shadows and do a lot more damage as a traitor. A fifth column is far more dangerous than an identifiable foreign enemy.
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