In one country there lived two people who always trusted each other. One of them was a rich and respected man, the other was poor. The poor man was malnourished and poorly dressed in order to save money. He gave the collected money to the rich man for safekeeping.
And then one day, when a difficult time came for the poor man, he went to the rich man and asked him for a small amount from his savings. In response to this, the rich man said that he had not received any money and did not understand what he was talking about. Several times the poor man came to the rich man and asked him to take pity on him and return the money, but he was inexorable. Then the poor man decided to turn to the judge. The judge listened to him and asked:
— When you gave him money, were there any witnesses?
“No, there was no one except me and him,” answers the poor man.
“In that case, I will interrogate him, and you come to me in three days,” the judge said to the poor man.
The wise judge called the rich man to him and said:
“I called you now because I’m leaving here soon and leaving the service.” I myself found out and asked others to find out who the most honest and reliable person here is, and everyone says that you are. So, since I am not able to immediately take all my things and money with me, I decided to leave some with you. Then I will send a man to you and you will give him these things and money.
“Oh, is this judge an important person? “He will give me many thousands of money and various things to keep,” the rich man thought. “I will take them, and then I will say that I did not take anything from him, and I will take possession of this wealth.” Therefore, he gladly accepted the judge's offer. Three days later, as agreed, the poor man came to the judge. The judge said:
- Go and tell the rich man that if he doesn’t give you your money, you will complain to the judge. Hearing this, he will immediately return everything to you.
The poor man went to the rich man and said what the judge advised him to do. He realized that if the poor man complained against him, the judge would find out about his dishonesty and, of course, would not leave his wealth for safekeeping, and he immediately gave the poor man his savings.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru