A man canna wive and thrive the same year.

Amang you be 't, priest's bairns: I am but a priest's oe.

A man has nae mair gudes than he gets gude o'.

A man is a lion for his ain cause.

"No man so zealous for, or assiduous in, a man's business as himself."—Kelly.

A man maun spoil ere he spin.

A man may be kind, yet gie little o' his gear.

A man may haud his tongue in an ill time.

A man may keep silent at a time or under circumstances where it is an injury to himself.

A man may lose his ain for lack o' craving.