3353. Judge of men by what they do, not by what they say. Believe in looks rather than in words.
3354. Before trusting a man, before putting it in his power to cause you a loss, possess yourself of every available information relative to him.
3355. Learn his history, his habits, inclinations and propensities; his reputation for honesty, industry, frugality, and punctuality; his prospects, resources, supports, advantages and disadvantages; his intentions and motives of action; who are his friends and enemies, and what are his good or bad qualities.
3356. You may learn a man's good qualities and advantages from his friends—his bad qualities and disadvantages from his enemies. Make due allowance for exaggeration in both.
3357. Finally, examine carefully before engaging in any thing, and act with energy afterward. Have the hundred eyes of Argus beforehand, and the hundred hands of Briareus afterward.