Once upon a time there lived a poor man. No matter how hard he worked, no matter how much he struggled, he still could not get out of need. And so he reached despair and decided: “I’ll go look for God.
On the way he met a wolf. “Good journey, brother man!” Where are you going? - asked the wolf. “I’m going to God,” answered the poor man, “I want to tell him my grief.” “When you get to God, tell him: there is, they say, one hungry wolf in the world, he prowls the mountains and valleys day after day, but cannot find food.” Ask: How long will that wolf starve? And also say: if you created him, you must feed him.” “Okay,” said the poor man and continued on his way.
He walked a long way or a little - he met a beautiful girl. - Where are you going, brother? - asked the girl. “I’m going to God.” “When you see God,” the beauty prayed, “tell him: there is one girl - young, healthy, rich, but she knows neither joy nor happiness.” What should she do? “I’ll tell you,” the poor man promised and went his way.
He met a tree. Even though it stood right next to the river, it was completely dry. “Where are you going, hey, traveler?” - asked the tree. - I’m going to God. - Then wait, tell God my words too. Tell him: have you ever heard of such a thing - I grow right next to the river, but I stand dry all year round! When will I turn green? The poor man listened to the tree’s complaint and continued on his way.
He walked and walked until he reached God. He sees God sitting in the form of a gray-haired old man under a high mountain, leaning against a cliff. - Good afternoon! - said the poor man, standing before God. - Welcome, - answered God. - What do you want? - I want you to treat all people equally - not give one everything, nothing to another. Here I am - no matter how much I struggle, no matter how hard I work, I still can’t get out of poverty, while many work half as much as me, but live in prosperity and peace. - Okay, go, you’ll soon get rich. I will send you happiness. Live and enjoy. “I have something else to do with you, Lord,” said the poor man and told God about the complaints of a hungry wolf, a beautiful girl and a withered tree. God provided answers to all questions. The poor man thanked him and left.
On the way back, he approached a withered tree. “What did God say about me?” - asks the withered tree. - He said that there is gold buried under you. Until they dig it up and give your roots space, you won’t be able to turn green.” “So where are you going?” Dig up the gold, it will be useful for both of us: you will get rich, and I will become green. “No, I don’t have time, I’m in a hurry.” God has given me happiness, I must quickly find it and enjoy it,” the poor man answered and left.
He was walking, and a beautiful girl blocked his way: “What news are you bringing for me?” God said: You must find yourself a good husband. Then the melancholy will leave you and you will live in joy and happiness. - Well, if so, then be you my dear husband. - Here you go! I have no time. God promised me happiness, I need to find it quickly and enjoy it,” said the poor man and walked on.
A hungry wolf was waiting for him on the road. As soon as he saw the poor man, he rushed to him: “Well, what did God tell you?” “My brother, after you I met another beautiful girl and a withered tree.” The girl wanted to know why her life was so bleak, and the tree wanted to know why it couldn’t turn green in spring and summer. I told God, and he said: “Let the girl find a friend.” - And what did God say about me? - asked the hungry wolf. - And about you he said that you will scour hungry until you find a fool. As you devour him, you will be satisfied. “I can’t find anyone more stupid than you,” said the wolf and ate the fool.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru