A single stroke don’t fell the oak.
More German Proverbs:
It is easy to help him, who is willing to be helped.German
If wood-hewing were an order, there would be fewer monks.
German
One cannot keep peace longer than his neighbour will let him.
German
Better an unjust peace than a just war.
German
Bitter pills are gilded.
German
Keep well with your neighbours, whether right or wrong.
German