"Woe to him that claims obedience when it is not due; woe to him that refuses it when it is"

This quote by Thomas Carlyle is an alerting to those who demand obedience when it is not due, and to those who decline to comply with when it is. It is a suggestion that there are consequences for both actions. Those who require obedience when it is not due are likely to be consulted with resistance and bitterness, while those who refuse to obey when it is due will likely face punishment or retribution. This quote functions as a tip that obedience ought to be earned, not demanded, and that it needs to be given when it is due. It is a pointer that there are consequences for both those who demand obedience and those who refuse it. Eventually, this quote functions as a suggestion that obedience must be given and taken with regard and factor to consider.