A chemeled a di dongaus er ngii, e durur.
“Even fixing our own betel nut, we still get burned.”
Even in familiar, careful work, mistakes and mishaps can still happen, so no one should be overconfident.
— Traditional Palau Wisdom, Palau
Source: Traditional Palauan proverb; documented in A. Obak & R. K. McKnight, Palauan Proverbs, and Palauan Language Online (tekinged.com/misc/proverbs.php)
More Proverbs from Palau
A good leader, like rain, stills the ocean waves.
A good leader calms conflict and resolves the troubles of the people.
Put out your arm, and a man's hand will reach back.
People are willing to help when you are willing to ask for it.
Our nose is close to our mouth, yet it cannot be licked.
Do not be overconfident just because something valuable seems within easy reach.
Bad words are a curse; good words are a blessing.
Kind speech is repaid with goodwill, while harsh speech brings harm back on the speaker.
The heron that rises early is filled.
Those who begin their work early are more likely to succeed and prosper.
Fast is late.
Rushing a task carelessly often produces poor results and even further delay.