君子防患于未然
A gentleman tries to take preventive measures before trouble happens.
This saying is used in the same context as the English proverb: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

 

防民之口，甚于防川
Stopping the mouths of the people is more difficult than dealing with a flooded river.
This phrase is commonly used to mean that where there is injustice, you will find people voicing their protests.

 

害人之心不可有，防人之心不可无
An intention to harm others one should not have, but an intention to guard against others one should not abandon.
The phrase suggests that people should not cause harm to other people but at the same time, they should not be so naive as to think others might not harm them.

 

养儿防老,积谷防荒
Children are brought up in preparation for one’s old age, just as grain is stored up in case of famine.
This saying indicates that having children is a form of insurance as they can look after you when you are old and frail.

 

病从口入，祸从口出
Illness enters via the mouth and misfortunes come out of it.
This phrase indicates that the unhealthy food and drink may result in illness, and inappropriate remarks may cause trouble.

 

病来如山倒，病去如抽丝
Sickness comes like an avalanche but goes like reeling silk.
The phrase is used to reassure sick patients that things will get better.

 

有备无患，忘战必危
Preparedness can prevent calamity, and a lack of preparation for war can certainly lead to a dangerous situation.
The phrase stresses the importance of preparation.

 

凡事预则立，不预则废
Preparedness ensures success and unpreparedness spells failure.
The proverb stresses the importance of preparation.