If you are going to do something carelessly, it is better to give it up entirely.
More Russian Proverbs:
Ears do not grow higher than the head.Russian
Eyes are afraid, but hands are doing the job.
Russian
Take a man at his word, an ox by the horns.
Russian
Guard your honor from your youth, and your weapons once you've got them in hand.
Russian
Better a bed of wood than a bier of gold.
Russian
Pray to God, but keep on rowing to the shore.
Russian