Dheymeeha dhinas kaa meeha kaanvaanee balaigenneve.
“Even when someone offers it, the one who eats should first consider it well.”
Be discerning about what you accept, even when it is freely given — generosity still deserves careful judgment.
— Traditional Maldives Wisdom, Maldives
Source: Traditional Maldivian proverb, public-domain oral tradition
More Proverbs from Maldives
Don't claim the name without earning the deed.
True character comes from doing what is right, not from claiming credit for it.
A thousand days for a thief, but the truth needs only one.
Wrongdoing can be hidden for a long time, but it only takes a single day for it to be uncovered.
Don't rush when the boat arrives; don't delay when it departs.
Take opportunities as they come, and do not linger when it is time to move on.
Don't fly away before scoping a place to land on.
Plan ahead before you act; do not leap into something without knowing where it will take you.
Don't pour water into a bottomless vessel.
Do not waste effort or resources on a cause that can never be satisfied or filled.
Don't bite the hand that feeds you.
Do not betray or cause harm to those who support and provide for you.