In Hesiod’s Pandora narrative, Prometheus warns his brother Epimetheus not to accept gifts from Zeus. Prometheus is portrayed as possessing foresight, in contrast with Epimetheus’s after-the-fact judgment.
The warning reflects the wider conflict between Zeus and Prometheus. After Prometheus’s deception involving sacrificial portions and his theft of fire for humans, Zeus seeks a punishment that will affect humanity. Pandora is presented as part of that response, and Prometheus recognizes the danger of accepting a divine gift.
The warning does not prevent the story’s outcome because Epimetheus accepts Pandora anyway. Some later retellings simplify the relationship or omit the warning, but Hesiod’s version clearly assigns the caution to Prometheus. The episode also explains why Prometheus’s name is linked with forethought.