The Wisdom of a True Friend

One upon a time, in a village long ago, lived a prosperous man who owned a large animal farm. He sold milk, butter, and ghee, and was blessed with wealth and comfort.

But one day, a mysterious disease struck his livestock, and one by one, all the animals died. The man was devastated. Though he had savings, they began to dwindle as daily expenses continued. Slowly, valuable household items were sold off, and the family was brought to the brink of starvation.

In despair, his wife reminded him of his friend—the chief of a neighboring village. She encouraged him to seek his friend's help. Her words struck a chord, and the very next day, the man dressed in clean clothes and set off to meet his old friend.

His friend received him warmly and treated him with great respect. After exchanging pleasantries, the man explained his dire circumstances and asked for help. The chief listened carefully and said, "Don't worry, I will help you." He called his servant and asked him to bring a goat for his friend. He also sent gifts for the man's wife and children and told him, “Take this goat. If you need help again, come back.”

The man was surprised that the chief—so wealthy and powerful—gave him only a single goat. But without complaint, he took the goat home. His wife, too, was surprised. Still, they used the goat’s milk for themselves and sold a bit. Their hunger was somewhat eased. But after a month, the goat died.

The man, once again, visited his friend, who received him with warmth and hospitality. Upon hearing about the goat's death, the chief gave him another goat and reminded him, “If you need help again, come back.”

This happened again: the goat provided sustenance, then died. And once more, the man returned, and the chief gave him another goat.

This time, however, the goat produced more milk. The man, being wiser now, began saving money and bought another goat. Slowly, blessings multiplied. He began purchasing more animals, and prosperity returned to his household.

One day, his wife reminded him that all this began with his friend’s help. She suggested he go thank him properly.

The next day, the man happily went to his friend, who again received him with warmth. The man thanked him sincerely and explained how his life had turned around thanks to that first act of kindness.

Hearing this, the chief was overjoyed. He called his servants and ordered them to release 50 animals from the farm and deliver them to his friend’s house.

Shocked, the man asked, “When I was at my lowest, you gave me only one goat. But now, when I am better off, you're giving me 50 animals?”

The chief smiled and replied, “When you first came, I knew you were going through a terrible time. Even if I had given you 100 animals then, they would have died like the rest. That’s why I gave you only one goat—to help you survive. As long as your bad time lasted, I supported you just enough to get by. But now that your fortunes have turned, it is my duty to help you as a friend should—with no fear of loss, only hope for your continued success.”

Hearing this, the man was deeply moved and became a true admirer of his friend’s wisdom.