WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2021 AESOP FABLES - PART III

 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2021 - AESOP FABLES - PART III

This week, I’ve been looking at Aesop Fables in the modern world.  Today, three more fables:

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THE WOLF IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING

A certain Wolf could not get enough to eat because of the watchfulness of the Shepherds. But one night he found a sheep skin that had been cast aside and forgotten. The next day, dressed in the skin, the Wolf strolled into the pasture with the Sheep. Soon a little Lamb was following him about and was quickly led away to slaughter.

That evening the Wolf entered the fold with the flock. But it happened that the Shepherd took a fancy for mutton broth that very evening, and, picking up a knife, went to the fold. There the first he laid hands on and killed was the Wolf.

Aesop’s moral: The evil-doer often comes to harm through his own deceit.

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I think I have met wolves in sheep’s clothing - or people who look loving, forgiving, and wonderful on the outside - only to be just like a wolf (or evil) person.  

But, deep inside, I know there is evil. While I can’t image a wolf (animal) to love and be loved by sheep (animals), but (from yesterday) “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”.  Could a sheep love a wolf?  Probably not.  Can a human love his or her enemies?  Sure, but it takes spiritual and supernatural love.

This also relates to me on other fronts.  The wolf became something he wasn’t - a sheep.  Have I been a wolf in sheep’s clothing?  Have I acted like a loving, forgiving person, only to have a cancer of hate inside my mind.  (yes, and I’m sorry and I have been humbled)

My moral, don’t be something that you aren’t.  You will be exposed as a phony and lose all credibility.  Be yourself - afterall you are the only one that can do it!!!

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The Dog and The Bone

A Dog, to whom the butcher had thrown a bone, was hurrying home with his prize as fast as he could go. As he crossed a narrow footbridge, he happened to look down and saw himself reflected in the quiet water as if in a mirror. But the greedy Dog thought he saw a real Dog carrying a bone much bigger than his own.

If he had stopped to think he would have known better. But instead of thinking, he dropped his bone and sprang at the Dog in the river, only to find himself swimming for dear life to reach the shore. At last, he managed to scramble out, and as he stood sadly thinking about tyou he good bone he had lost, he realized what a stupid Dog he had been.

It is very foolish to be greedy.

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Being greedy can get a person in trouble.  In the dog’s case, he lost out because of his greed.

There are times that being ambitious is good, but there are times when being content with where you are.  

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The Fox & the Crow

One bright morning as the Fox was following his sharp nose through the wood in search of a bite to eat, he saw a Crow on the limb of a tree overhead. This was by no means the first Crow the Fox had ever seen. What caught his attention this time and made him stop for a second look, was that the lucky Crow held a bit of cheese in her beak.

"No need to search any farther," thought sly Master Fox. "Here is a dainty bite for my breakfast."

Up he trotted to the foot of the tree in which the Crow was sitting, and looking up admiringly, he cried, "Good-morning, beautiful creature!"

The Crow, her head cocked on one side, watched the Fox suspiciously. But she kept her beak tightly closed on the cheese and did not return his greeting.

"What a charming creature she is!" said the Fox. "How her feathers shine! What a beautiful form and what splendid wings! Such a wonderful Bird should have a very lovely voice, since everything else about her is so perfect. Could she sing just one song, I know I should hail her Queen of Birds."

Listening to these flattering words, the Crow forgot all her suspicion, and also her breakfast. She wanted very much to be called Queen of Birds. So she opened her beak wide to utter her loudest caw, and down fell the cheese straight into the Fox's open mouth.

"Thank you," said Master Fox sweetly, as he walked off. "Though it is cracked, you have a voice sure enough. But where are your wits?"

Aesop’s moral: The flatterer lives at the expense of those who will listen to him.

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Yes, I have been flattered by students and others over the years “You ae the best professor ever” (not true).  I’d like to think my encouragement, and comments are honest, not flattery.  We are all unique and all of us do like being complimented, but watch out for the person trying to “butter you up”!!!  

LOVE WINS!!!

Karen