Saying 17

Iraqi style
English

Saying 17

Taking advice from an enemy is a mistake, yet hearing it is fine, so that you can do the opposite, which is exactly the right thing. Beware of whatever your enemy tells you; if you do it, you will slap your knee in regret. Even if he points you to a road as straight as an arrow, turn away from him and take the road to the left.
Explanation: Slapping the knee ('dast-e taghabon bar zanu zadan') is a gesture of deep regret over a loss.

Original · Persian

حکمت شمارهٔ ۱۷

نصیحت از دشمن پذیرفتن خطاست ولیکن شنیدن رواست تا به خلاف آن کار کنی که آن عین صواب است.
حذر کن زآنچه دشمن گوید آن کن که بر زانو زنی دست تغابن
گرت راهی نماید راست چون تیر از او برگرد و راه دست چپ گیر