In vain he craves advice who will not follow it.

Seeking guidance has little value when the person asking has already ruled out acting on what they hear. The proverb points to a mismatch between requesting help and being willing to use it.

It does not require anyone to accept every recommendation. Its criticism is aimed at someone who asks for advice while remaining closed to any answer that might call for a change of course.

Use it to comment on a person who repeatedly requests guidance but dismisses the suggestions they receive. It can also prompt someone to consider whether they are genuinely open to advice before asking for it.