Judge not of men or things at first sight.

Initial appearances offer too little information for a fair assessment. A person's character, or the worth and nature of an object or situation, may become clearer after closer attention.

The saying urges restraint before praise, blame, or a final verdict based on an immediate impression. It favors observing and learning more, while not requiring anyone to ignore immediate warning signs or postpone necessary safety decisions.

Use it to caution against a quick conclusion about a newly met person, unfamiliar item, or misleading-looking situation. It suits reflective advice more than a formal rule and does not require delaying necessary safety decisions.