Others may try to feed our ego, but it is up to us to constrain it.
Self-conceit may lead to self destruction.
The haft of the arrow had been feathered with one of the eagle's own Lures. We often give our enemies the means of our own destruction.
A doubtful friend is worse than a certain enemy. Let a man be one thing or the other, and we then know how to meet him.
Poverty with security is better than plenty in the midst of fear and uncertainty.
He that has many friends, has no friends.