[I see my hands]

"mistaking forbearance for weakness"

In practice what is the difference?

[jmacusa]

The difference is to persevere or be weak and fold like a cheap suit.

[piytar]

Weakness is permanent. Forbearance eventually ends. And when it does, look out!

[tacticalogic]

In practice what is the difference?

It's like the difference between playing Russian roulette with an empty gun, and one with a round in the cylinder. At first they may appear to be the same, but eventually the difference will become apparent.