Franklin distinguishes between guidance that one person can offer and behaviour that another person must choose for themselves. Advice can provide knowledge, warnings or suggestions, but it cannot directly produce good conduct. However sound the guidance may be, the person receiving it still has to decide whether to act on it.

The saying therefore points to a limit of teaching and persuasion. People can help others understand what may be wise or right, but they cannot transfer judgement, discipline or responsibility in the same way that they can communicate information. Franklin’s broader point is that improvement ultimately depends on personal action. Advice may influence behaviour, but conduct is demonstrated through choices and habits that each individual must put into practice for themselves.