Try your friend before you trust him.

Meaning: Test a person's character through small, low-stakes interactions before depending on them for important matters.

Origin: From 'A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases' (1870). Public domain.

More proverbs about Perseverance

• If things were to be done twice, all would be wise. — Hindsight reveals mistakes, but life allows no rehearsals—act carefully the first time.
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