This proverb highlights the power of thoughts and conscience. It suggests that facing physical dangers, while threatening, is often less distressing than contending with inner remorse or fears. Thoughts can be relentless and persistent, causing constant mental torment that is more debilitating than any external threat. The equivalent proverb in English would be « The conscience, an unyielding tribunal ». It underscores that our mind can be both our greatest ally and our worst enemy.