Bought wit is best.

The proverb suggests that understanding gained through personal cost or difficulty can be especially valuable. Such lessons may leave a stronger impression than advice received without firsthand experience.

It treats a mistake or setback as a possible source of better judgment. The cost is not praised for its own sake; the point is that experience can teach someone to choose more wisely next time.

Use it when someone has gained useful judgment from an expensive mistake, disappointment, or other difficult experience. It can acknowledge what they learned without suggesting that the hardship was desirable.