This bit of advice is actually---and probably intentionally---ambiguous. It can be interpreted to mean "care about your student' progress and welfare," but it can also mean "care about who your students are"---that is, impart knowledge only to those whom you trust.

To Klingons, knowledge and expertise are matters of pride. This includes both the understanding of history, rituals, and legends, and also the mastery of various practical techniques, such as those needed to be a successful warrior. Education and drilling continue throughout a Klingon's life. There are even some ritualized forms of practice, such as the {moQbara',} a type of martial art, and the {qa'vaQ,} a hoop-and-stick maneuver that hones the skills of the hunt.

Complementing the value placed on learning is an emphasis on teaching, the recognition that, in order to continue as a culture, it is important to pass on expertise to future generations. At the same time, to grow as a culture, it is acknowledged that teachers will learn from their students, another reason to be sure that the student-teacher relationship is one of mutual trust and respect.

This offering of wisdom is commonly understood as a suggested battle strategy. "When you are uncertain about what to do in a confrontation, "it advises, " choose the course of action your opponent is least likely to be anticipating." This complements the following cited tenet. If one trusts one's instincts, even when full knowledge is lacking, one will be able to make a decision, pursue a course of action, and, therefore, catch one's opponent off guard. Once, when the Enterprise entered a black void and nothing seemed to work properly, Worf suggested adhering to this Klingon tactic as Commander William Riker and he prepared to beam onto the U.S.S. Yamato, just in case the Federation vessel was not as deserted as it appeared to be.

While negotiation is not the Klingon's first choice of an approach to settling differences, it is not to be ruled out altogether. Worf himself has articulated the ideas embodied in both of these proverbs. Regarding the search for diplomatic solutions, he once remarked, "This is hopeless, fighting would be preferable." On the other hand, when talk is called for, one must not rely on words alone: "I prefer to negotiate eye to eye with my enemy."