A thousand enter to study Torah, and one emerges to rule (in halacha).

אלף נכנסים למקרא כו' אחד יוצא להוראה

Vayikra Rabbah 2:1, a Midrashic text. It illustrates the idea that out of many who engage in the study of Torah, only a few reach the level of becoming qualified to issue halachic rulings. The phrase underscores the challenge and selectivity involved in becoming a halachic authority.