The Risk of Serving Kings: A Timeless Lesson from Sheikh Saadi

• The Advice of Sheikh Saadi: A Tale of Wisdom, Temptation, and Consequence

BY:Khan

Long ago, in a time when people turned to the wise for guidance before making any life-changing decision, a poor man approached the great Persian scholar and poet, Sheikh Saadi. This man was burdened with poverty, his children were many, and his means of livelihood were almost nonexistent. Hunger gnawed at him and despair filled his heart.

“Respected Sheikh,” the man said with a trembling voice, “I can no longer endure this life of want. My children are hungry, my wife suffers with me, and I have no trade or income to provide for them. Many times I have thought of abandoning this place to seek a better fortune elsewhere, but then I fear the taunts of people. They will accuse me of being heartless—of leaving my family behind in hardship just to ease my own burden. I beg you, guide me. You are known for wisdom in both worldly and spiritual matters. Please recommend me for service under a king. Perhaps in a royal court, I may find relief.”

Sheikh Saadi looked at him with a calm and piercing gaze. He answered:

“Serving a king is like standing on the edge of a sharp blade. There are two sides to such service: the hope of wealth and the risk of your very life. Wise men say it is never wise to put your life in danger merely for the hope of provision. Be content with simple bread and peace.”

But the man grew restless. “O Sheikh, that is not the answer I seek! You do not understand my pain. If I serve the king honestly, without betrayal or deceit, why should I ever face harm from him?”

To this, Sheikh Saadi narrated a parable:

“One day, a fox was seen running frantically through the forest. People stopped her and asked, ‘What danger drives you so swiftly?’

The fox replied, ‘I have heard that the lions are conscripting animals for labor.’

The people laughed. ‘But you are no kin of the lion. Why should you fear?’

The fox sighed and said, ‘What if my enemies, out of jealousy, claim that I am the lion’s cub? Who then will save me from such an accusation?’

Do you not see, my friend? Even if you remain faithful and honest in your duties, jealous rivals may accuse you falsely. And in the presence of a powerful king, who will dare to defend you? For fear of their own safety, even loyal companions fall silent. Thus, it is better to endure poverty with dignity than to expose yourself to peril in the court of kings.”

The poor man, however, became angry. He felt Sheikh Saadi had dismissed his suffering. Persistently, he begged again for a position. Finally, to quiet him, Sheikh Saadi recommended him to royal service.

In time, the man rose through the ranks of the court. His diligence and intelligence earned him promotions. From a poor beggar, he became a respected officer. Soon, he was counted among the trusted companions of the king himself. His household prospered, and his children no longer went hungry. He felt proud that he had defied Sheikh Saadi’s caution and carved out success for himself.

Years later, Sheikh Saadi traveled for the pilgrimage to Mecca. Upon his return, he happened to see the same man again—but this time in rags, broken and destitute. His face bore the scars of betrayal and hardship. Saadi was astonished.

“What has happened to you?” asked the Sheikh. “How did fortune turn against you so harshly?”

The man sighed heavily and spoke with bitterness.

“Your words were true, Sheikh. My jealous rivals accused me of treachery against the king. Though I was innocent, the king ordered an investigation. None of my friends, none of my companions in court, dared to defend me. Their silence condemned me. The same people who once bowed before me now trample me under their feet. When I held power, they praised me. But when I fell, they abandoned me. Thus, I lost not only my position but also my honor.”

Sheikh Saadi shook his head gently.

“Did I not tell you? Serving kings is like living in a river—every step is threatened by drowning. If a man does not have the strength to endure a second sting, why should he place his hand again in the nest of a scorpion? Wisdom is given so that men may learn from experience. The wise profit from advice, while the foolish insist on learning only through suffering. And often, that suffering leaves scars too deep to heal.”

The man lowered his head in silence. He now understood the weight of those words he had once ignored.


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Moral of the Story

This timeless parable reminds us of a profound truth: not all opportunities are worth the risk they bring. The allure of wealth and position may dazzle us, but they often come with hidden dangers—jealous rivals, fragile loyalties, and the cruelty of power. It is better to live humbly and in peace than to gamble one’s life and honor in the treacherous court of kings.

Sheikh Saadi’s wisdom, centuries old, still speaks to us today: true wealth lies not in riches or positions, but in contentment, integrity, and the courage to live simply.