Question

meaning of Better an open enemy than a false friend

Answer 1

False friends are worse than open enemies. It's better to know who your real enemies are rather than trust someone who pretends to be a friend but is capable of stabbing you in the back.

Answer 2

Open enemy is better than false friend:

The meaning of the proverb, an open enemy is better than a false friend, is it is better to know the real enemies than associating with fake friends. People who pretend to be friends are capable of giving us a hard time.

They appreciate us fakely, flatter and misuse the genuine friendship. A false friend is capable of deceiving and stabbing at the back. They would be ready to betray a person for their benefits. So, it is wise to spot the enemy instead of being with fake friends.