A thorn defends the rose harming only those who would steal the blossom

Similar sayings:

The rose has thorns only for those who would gather it The rose has thorns only for those who would gather it
When you have only two dollars left in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one, and a rose with the other When you have only two dollars left in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one, and a rose with the other
A flower cannot blossom without sunshine nor a garden without love A flower cannot blossom without sunshine nor a garden without love
The way of a slothful man is as a hedge of thorns The way of a slothful man is as a hedge of thorns
Steal a bell with one’s ears covered Steal a bell with one’s ears covered

Chinese sayings and proverbs