If you wish a thing done, go; if not, send.

The proverb contrasts going in person with sending someone else. It presents direct involvement as the surer path to getting a task done, while suggesting that delegation may leave the outcome uncertain.

Its advice is pointed rather than absolute: take responsibility for a result you care about instead of assuming that giving instructions will be enough. It does not mean that every delegated task will fail.

Use it to urge someone to handle an important errand or task personally when they are worried it may be neglected or delayed if passed to another person.