In a calm sea every man is a pilot.

An easy voyage makes steering look simple. The proverb suggests that favorable conditions can conceal the difference between genuine skill and ordinary confidence.

Its point is not that success in easy circumstances has no value, but that such success alone is a poor test of ability. Sound judgment becomes more apparent when difficulties arise.

Use the proverb to qualify praise earned under unusually easy conditions, or to remind someone that a person's ability has not yet been tested by a serious challenge.