A wise man is able to differentiate between humility and weakness, he does not mistake courage for pride.

Meaning: Decisive action can create opportunities that hesitation misses. Courage may help someone benefit from an opening, though it cannot control luck or guarantee success.

Meaning: An undertaking with known hazards may require accepting some exposure to them. Battle and wounds make that point forcefully, without requiring someone to take an unreasonable risk or treating caution as cowardice.

Meaning: A reasonable request may open an opportunity that remains closed if you never ask. The possibility of refusal need not prevent a polite enquiry.

Meaning: The loudest threats do not always signal the greatest ability or intention to cause harm. Noise alone is an unreliable measure of strength.