Don’t stand by the water and long for fish; go home and weave a net

Similar sayings:

Weaving a net is better than praying for fish at the edge of the water Weaving a net is better than praying for fish at the edge of the water
Seeking fish? Don’t dive in the pond; go home and get a net Seeking fish? Don’t dive in the pond; go home and get a net
The pitcher doth not go so often to the well, but it comes home broken at last The pitcher doth not go so often to the well, but it comes home broken at last
Better do a kindness near home than go far to burn incense Better do a kindness near home than go far to burn incense
Long roads test the horse, long dealings the friend Long roads test the horse, long dealings the friend

Chinese sayings and proverbs