We never know for what God is preparing us in His schools—for what work on earth, for what work in the hereafter. Our business is to do our work well in the present place, whatever that may be.

Meaning: Prepare the means to do a task instead of waiting passively for everything to arrive. The tools come first, while the materials are pictured as coming through providence.

Meaning: The saying promises vigorous beans after sowing in mud. Growing like wood gives its confidence in that method an exaggerated image of strength.

Meaning: Even an attentive observer cannot be assumed to notice every event. The cat-and-mouse image points to limits of oversight, without proving that an unnoticed action is harmless or acceptable.