Read historical proverb records with fixed sources, context and selection boundaries, without treating old sayings as present-day fact or advice.
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If the badger leaves his hole the tod will creep into it.
One enemy is too many, and a hundred friends are too few.
It is better to be lucky than wise.
Hooly and fairly men ride far journeys.
No secrets but between two.
Give the devil his due.
Shaal [shallow] waters mak the maist din.
If the devil is vicar, you'll be clerk.
Such things must be if we sell ale.
He that speers a' opinions comes ill speed.
Be the day ne'er so long, at last comes even song.
Everything has a beginning.
A guilty conscience needs no accuser.
A' things wytes [blames] that no weel fares.
Good wine needs no bush.
Help yourself, and your friends will like you.
A good beginning makes a good ending.
What's bred in the bone will never be out of the flesh.
Empty vessels give the greatest sound.
You must not hang a man by his looks.
In a calm sea every man is a pilot.
He that hires the horse must ride before.
A mouse in time may bite in two a cable.
Lang mint, little dint.