The proverb means that a man should not undertake a risk without careful consideration He ought to measure his capacity for it and consider whether it is at all proper for him to do it and what consequences are likely to follow. In fact, life is full of pitfalls. So it is necessary to be cautious and careful our actions. A small leap carelessly or thoughtlessly taken can lead a person to such an abyss from where he may find it impossible to rise. A minor mistake carelessly committed by a person may land him in a situation that may cause him to repent for the rest of his life. Our life is God’s greatest gift to us and so it is not to be recklessly frittered away. However, it is not implied here that we should avoid all risks. Risks are a part of life. They provide us with thrill and add colour to it. What we should do is to take the risk carefully with our eyes and ears wide open. On the contrary, it does not also mean that every thoughtful action will lead us to success and prosperity. Life is too unpredictable to ensure it. Sometimes so-called success may appear as deceptive. So it is our duty to consider the pros and cons of an action and carefully visualise its consequences before committing it.