Better a clout in than a hole out.
That is, a patched garment is better than one with holes in it.
Better a dog fawn on you than bark at you.
Better ae e'e than a' blind.
Better ae wit bought than twa for nought.
Better a finger aff as aye wagging.
"The first night is aye the warst o't. I hae never heard o' ane that sleepit the night afore the trial, but of mony a ane that sleepit as sound as a tap the night before their necks were straughted. And it's nae wonder—the warst may be tholed when it's kend: Better a finger aff as aye wagging."—Heart of Midlothian.
Better a fremit friend than a friend fremit.
Better have a stranger for your friend than a friend turned stranger.
Better a gude fame than a fine face.