Law favors diligence, and therefore hates folly and negligence.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) The law rewards those who act promptly and carefully, and disfavors those who are careless or dilatory — laches, estoppel, and waiver are all expressions of this principle.

Where this applies

• Someone sat on their rights for years and now wants to enforce a claim that has gone stale.
• A party who promptly acted to protect their interest is favored over one who ignored the problem.