Take a man at his word, an ox by the horns.
More Russian Proverbs:
The wolf will hire himself out very cheaply as a shepherd.Russian
Eggs cannot teach a hen.
Russian
When we sing everybody hears us; when we sigh, nobody hears us.
Russian
Never kiss an opportunity with a dirty mouth.
Russian
The sluggard will not plough by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.
Russian
Don't praise your furnace when the house is cold.
Russian