Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
* Prudent: This means wise, careful, and sensible.
* Goat: In this context, the goat represents someone who is unsuited for the task. Goats are known for their love of eating plants, which would obviously be disastrous for a garden.
* Gardener: This refers to someone responsible for nurturing and caring for plants.
Therefore, the proverb implies that:
* A wise person would not entrust a task to someone who is clearly not qualified or capable.
* It's important to consider the skills and abilities of individuals when assigning them responsibilities.
* Choosing the wrong person for a job can lead to disastrous consequences.
In a more general sense, the proverb can be applied to any situation where someone is considering delegating a task. It reminds us to think critically about the person's suitability for the job before making a decision.