According to the statement above "After Jem expresses disillusionment over the trial and the verdict, Miss Maudie defends the town and its people. What does she say to Jem?" well, she says "don't fret, Jem. Things are never as bad as they seem. There are some men in this world that need to do unpleasant things and your father is one of them."
I believe it means some things you set out to do become harder and Difficult to get out of, But you should think of the best option to do and make the best out of a bad situation.
