Habits are cobwebs at first, cables at last

Similar sayings:

Fortune and flowers do not last forever Fortune and flowers do not last forever
A country where flowers are priced so as to make them a luxury has yet to learn the first principles of civilization A country where flowers are priced so as to make them a luxury has yet to learn the first principles of civilization
All things at first appear difficult All things at first appear difficult
Think of your own faults the first part of the night when you are awake, and the faults of others the latter part of the night when you are asleep Think of your own faults the first part of the night when you are awake, and the faults of others the latter part of the night when you are asleep

Chinese sayings and proverbs