Don’t waste good iron for nails or good men for soldiers

Similar sayings:

There are two perfectly good men, one dead, and the other unborn There are two perfectly good men, one dead, and the other unborn
The best soldiers are not warlike The best soldiers are not warlike
Don’t waste too many stones on one bird Don’t waste too many stones on one bird
Though you live near a forest, do not waste firewood Though you live near a forest, do not waste firewood
If there is a strong general, there will be no weak soldiers If there is a strong general, there will be no weak soldiers

Chinese sayings and proverbs