I was enlightened to read your interpretation, which Wikipedia indeed lists as a "more modern, alternative interpretation". The prevailing interpretation is a

I was enlightened to read your interpretation, which Wikipedia indeed lists as a "more modern, alternative interpretation". The prevailing interpretation is a directive to make a decision rather than dally: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fish_or_cut_bait https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fish_or_cut_bait