I do not fight battles that cannot be won. Do not confuse that with cowardice.
A word to the wise is -- unnecessary.
It is not wise to give something old and powerful something they care about. And I am very old.
If you are wise, you will dread a prosperity which only loads you with more.
Do not trouble trouble till trouble troubles you.
It is a good rule never to see or talk to the man whose words have wrung your heart, or helped it, just as it is wise not to look down too closely at the luminous glow which sometimes shines on your path on a summer night, if you would not see the ugly worm below.
You must not think, sir, to catch old birds with chaff.
Go not to the Elves for counsel, for they will say both no and yes. Elves seldom give unguarded advice, for advice is a dangerous gift, even from the wise to the wise, and all courses may run ill.
Solomon warned us not to rush into God’s presence with words. That’s what fools do. And often, that’s what we do.
It is not wise to find symbols in everything that one sees. It makes life too full of terrors.
Never go out to meet trouble. If you just sit still, nine cases out of ten, someone will intercept it before it reaches you.
For other things mild Heav'n a time ordains, And disapproves that care, though wise in show, That with superfluous burden loads the day, And when God sends a cheerful hour, refrains.
You, that are going to be married, think things can never be done too fast: but we that are old, and know what we are about, must elope methodically, madam.
Add a sprinkling of folly to your long deliberations.
You're mistaken; men of sense often learn much from their enemies. Prudence is the best safeguard. This principle cannot be learnt from a friend: but an enemy extorts it immediately. It is from their foes and not their friends, that cities learn the lesson of building high walls and ships of war. And this lesson saves their children, their homes, and their properties.
