To talk much and arrive nowhere is the same as climbing a tree to catch a fish

Similar sayings:

Looking for fish? Don’t climb a tree Looking for fish? Don’t climb a tree
You can’t catch a cub without going into the tiger’s den You can’t catch a cub without going into the tiger’s den
Waiting for a rabbit to hit upon a tree and be killed in order to catch it Waiting for a rabbit to hit upon a tree and be killed in order to catch it
To listen well is as powerful a means of influence as to talk well and is as essential to all true conversation To listen well is as powerful a means of influence as to talk well and is as essential to all true conversation
The man who comes with a talk about others has himself an ax to grind The man who comes with a talk about others has himself an ax to grind

Chinese sayings and proverbs