Words of Wisdom?

I don't know what to make of adages and proverbs. They are, it is said, simple sayings which express a general truth. But they seem to contradict each other much of the time. For instance, these two popular ones:

Carpe diem (Seize the day)
Take time to stop and smell the roses. (or "good things come to those who wait"... either one)

Or (put another way):
A humble life with peace and quiet is better than a splendid one with danger and risk.

How about:
A man who represents himself has a fool for a client.
Yet... Speak for yourself, John.

Or:
Clothes make the man (or dress for success, make a good first impression).
But Don't judge a book by its cover.

Or:
Done is better than perfect.
Measure once, cut twice... measure twice, cut once.


Remember:

He who hesitates is lost.
But, also, haste makes waste.

I always thought this one was simply weird:

Like finding a needle in a haystack.

Why would you look for a needle there? I keep needles with my sewing kit. If you take a roll in the hay, I can almost guarantee you'll find any needle in there.


And this one just plain confuses me:

A friend in need is a friend in deed (or, it could be "indeed").

Who's in need? The friend or you? There are times I thought it sarcasm and times I thought it was similar to the Golden Rule.