“The Honesty Poor Man”

Summary: 

John was a poor but innocent man living in a simple village. While hobbling across town, he discovers a bag filled with gold coins, the property of a wealthy merchant. Despite being in front of dire conditions, John decides to return the riches. His honesty leads to an unexpected twist that ultimately changes his life as he demonstrates that truthfulness is the greatest treasure of all.

Story:

He lived in a small and rundown hut outside the village. He had worn clothes on his body, a frequently empty stomach, and yet an overflowing heart with sincerity and kindness. He was doing various types of work-carrying bags in the market, repairing broken fences, or helping farmers during harvest. However, despite the tough times, he never told a lie or stole from someone, and was not known to take anything not his own.

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One evening, on his way back from a long day's work, he saw something strange in the dusty road by the well in the village. A small leather pouch was lying there ajar, barely open, and a hint of the gold coins inside revealed itself. His heart raced: had he come upon wealth? Wealth enough to feed him for months, to buy him new clothes and perhaps even to buy a little land to call his own?

For a brief moment, temptation whispered in his ear. "You've struggled through life and come up poor. Maybe this is fate's gift," one voice suggested.

But he quickly remembered, "This money isn't mine. There's someone probably missing it and worrying."

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Sighing, he closed the pouch tightly. Then, he looked around and saw it was empty. Immediately, he set about finding the owner of the bag. He went from house to house in the village, wandering between stores and passers-by, asking if someone had lost a pouch of gold. Most laughed at him, saying, "You are a fool, John-Du-keep it and convert it into" And transform the course of your life."

But John's response was to the contrary. "Honesty is worth more than gold," he grumbled on as he continued his quest.

The next morning, he went to the village square where traders and merchants assembled. In the very middle of that crowd, he raised his voice and asked, "Is there anyone whose pouch filled with gold coins has been lost?"

As the murmurs afolded, a wealthy merchant, Peter, came forth, "Yes, I lost my pouch yesterday as I was going home. It contained twenty gold coins. I have been searching all over:" John handed over the pouch without delay. Peter opened it and counted the coins. He looked at John incredulously. "You are a poor man; why did you not keep this instead of returning it?"

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John smiled, saying, "Because it was never mine to keep. If I had kept it, my conscience would not have let me sleep."

The merchant's eyes brimmed with tears. He offered John five gold coins as a reward for his honesty.

But John said, "I cannot take a reward for doing what is right."

Peter's respect for John grew. He spent a short time speaking privately with him inquiring about his circumstances. After learning of his hardships, the merchant got an idea. "John, would you like to work for me? Such honesty deserves better opportunities."

John was hesitant at first, but then agreed. He worked in Peter's shop, working on the money and the accounts. His honesty and dedication quickly made him a trusted employee. Over time, Peter increased his responsibilities. A few years later, John quickly became more than just an employee but a close advisor to the merchant.

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One day, as luck would have it, Peter had a very serious illness. Not having any children to inherit his riches, he summoned John to his side. "Dear John, I have seen you all these years. Your honesty is your greatest treasure. I am planning to leave my business. “I have entrusted wealth into your gloved hands as I have much more trust in you.”

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John had his abundant imagination overwhelmed. It was an unimaginable blessing that never came to John's mind. Since Peter's death, John's life was defined by managing the business using an integrity that was his very own. The riches he had earned, he used to indulge in philanthropic endeavors, including the establishment of schools, giving to charity, and providing shelter for the needy.

Once looked upon with scorn by the villagers, he was now respected and even adored. Their children's bedtime stories included him, teaching them that it is honesty that breeds success from the soul.

Ending:

John is a transformed man from a struggling one into one of the most revered and loved figures in the village. Despite the riches he acquired, ostentation was never part of this man: he always remembered the day he chose honesty over temptation.

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He enjoys watching children play under his benevolence, sitting beside a banyan tree on an evening. He thought, although honesty does not bring with it immediate reward, it has to lead, ultimately, to a life full of peace, respect, and true satisfaction. Thus continues the tale of John and his treasure of truth, inspiring generations to come.

The End

*Thank You*