Did some scholars say, "To think ill [of someone] is a sign of prudence"? And what does it mean and how is it applied if it is correct, or what is the correct [statement] if it is wrong?

Some narrations state that "suspicion is a sign of prudence," but all chains of these narrations are weak and cannot be attributed to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. Rather, they are from ancient Arab sayings. This meaning is not absolute, for Allah Almighty forbade suspicion of a believer, saying: "O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin." And the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Beware of suspicion, for suspicion is the most untruthful of speech." Suspicion of a Muslim leads to spying, estrangement, and corruption of hearts. One should inwardly refrain from thinking ill of a Muslim brother by abandoning suspicion of him and interpreting his actions favorably. There is no contradiction between taking necessary security precautions and having good thoughts about people, for good thoughts do not mean negligence concerning one's self or property.