596- I Didn’t Buy the Pearl

Susan saw a toy in his room which she did not buy for him. As she asked him about it, he said, “I found it under our neighbor’s tree.”

“Is it yours?”

“No. But it had been there for a month. Surely no one want it.”

“Then, you should ask them first.”

“It’s cheap.”

“To be honest return it to its place and I’ll buy you a toy like it. Or, ask its owner if he doesn’t want it.”

“What do you mean by honesty?”

“I’ll tell you the story of an honest rabbi:

It was said in the past that a rabbi bought a donkey as a means of transportation. Months later, some of his disciples, who used to spend a lot of time in his house, came to him joyfully. They said, “Rabbi, you’ve become very rich.”

“What?”

“Look! It’s a precious pearl.”

“Where did you find it?”

“It was on the chain around the neck of the donkey.”

“It isn’t mine.”

“Didn’t you buy the donkey months ago?”

“Yes but I didn’t buy the pearl. I’ve to return it to the seller.”

The rabbi took the pearl and returned to the seller informing him of its value.

→ English translation of the story here at St-Takla.org: لم أشترِ اللؤلؤة.

Lord, Grant me the spirit of honesty,

So that I would not desire what is not mine.

My honesty is dearer to You than all pearls.

Two Barley Containers

Short Stories (Stories for the Youth) Books by Father Tadros Yacoub Malaty

The Efficient Generator of the Church