| Once, a great Torah scholar found favor in the eyes of the king. So impressed was the monarch that he appointed the sage as second-in-command of the entire kingdom. Under the scholar’s wise and virtuous leadership, the nation flourished, becoming the wealthiest and most powerful in the region. The people adored him.
However, not everyone shared their admiration. A tailor in the marketplace, consumed by jealousy, resented the honor bestowed upon the Rabbi. One day, as the king and his esteemed advisor rode through the market in the royal carriage, they passed by the tailor’s shop. With malice in his heart, the tailor burst into a coarse and mocking song ridiculing the Jewish people. The king was furious. Turning to the Rabbi, he declared, “Order that this man’s tongue be cut out!”
But the Rabbi did something unexpected. Instead of punishment, he visited the tailor’s home and handed him a gift: two thousand gold coins.
A week later, the royal carriage passed the marketplace once again. This time, as they approached the tailor’s shop, he sang a spirited song—one that praised the Jewish people and honored the sage. The king was taken aback. “Did I not command you to have his tongue cut out?” “Your Majesty,” replied the Rabbi with a gentle smile, “I carried out your command. I removed his bitter, slanderous tongue and replaced it with one that sings with joy and praise.”
The king burst into laughter, amused and impressed by the sage’s wisdom. Still, he added, “Nevertheless, I would have preferred if you had followed my order to the letter.”
The Rabbi bowed slightly and said, “My king, I acted for the sake of your honor. Had I punished him harshly, people would have whispered, ‘What the tailor said must be true. The king silenced him to protect his friend.’ But now, after receiving a generous gift, he sings a different tune. When people hear his words today, they will understand that his former song was nothing but jealousy and slander.”
The secret of education lies in this story. It is easy to punish wrongdoing; it is far more powerful to guide someone toward inner change. True transformation does not come through fear, but through wisdom, kindness, and insight.
Today: May HaShem bless us with the wisdom to help others grow in the most positive ways. (Based on Moshol V’Nimshol)
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