The Early Bird Gets the Worm vs. Good Things Come to Those Who Wait
“The early bird gets the worm.”
“Good things come to those who wait.”
Why They Conflict
One rewards speed. The other rewards stillness. They cannot both be consulted at once.
When the First May Be Useful
The opportunity is scarce, visible to others, and unlikely to improve with age.
When the Second May Be Useful
The situation is unresolved, the information is incomplete, and acting now would mostly be acting busy.
Official Ruling
Official ruling: Determine whether the worm is going anywhere. Then proceed at the appropriate speed and cite accordingly.