The Lion and the Carpenter

Trust-God was a carpenter who entered the forest each morning with his wife to choose fallen wood. They carried flatbread, rice, vegetables and a little sweet curd for lunch. One day a lion named Spotless stepped onto the path. The carpenter was afraid, but he spoke kindly and offered part of their meal.

Spotless had never tasted food prepared with such care. More importantly, he had never been greeted without boasting or flattery. He promised the couple safe passage. After that, the lion visited at midday, always alone, and the three shared conversation beneath a shady tree.

Because Spotless ate the carpenter’s food, he hunted less. A hungry crow and jackal who followed the lion began to complain. ‘Where do you go every day?’ they asked. When Spotless told them about his friends, they insisted on coming. He warned them that the carpenter was under his protection, but they exchanged sly glances.

The next day Trust-God saw Spotless approaching with the crow and jackal. Their eyes were fixed not on his face, but on the lunch basket and the couple beside it. Remembering how quickly greed can twist a peaceful meeting, the carpenter helped his wife climb a strong tree, then followed her.

Spotless stopped below. ‘Friend, why are you hiding? Have I broken my promise?’ Trust-God answered, ‘I still trust the lion who came alone. But the faces beside you carry hunger and mischief. A good friend must also notice what his companions intend.’

Spotless understood. He sent the crow and jackal away and apologized for bringing danger to a place of friendship. The carpenter came down, but suggested they meet at the open meadow from then on. Their friendship survived because they spoke honestly—and Spotless became much more careful about whose advice he welcomed.

__Moral: __Choose companions whose actions protect trust, not those who feed suspicion and greed.