The fox and the lion

There lived a timid fox in a forest. It was cunning and managed to lead its life comfortably by cheating the small animals such as the rabbits, rats, frogs, and some birds. But however it tried, it could not be brave in the presence of bigger animals such as the tiger or the lion. The very thought of a lion or a leopard frightened the fox terribly.

The fox thought that the main reason for its fear was its puny physical stature. It believed that if it became big, it would transform into a brave and strong animal. It went to the elephant and asked the giant for help. The elephant smiled, shoved the fox away good naturedly, and advised the fox to be content with what it was.

The fox was not to be discouraged. It tried talking with the rhinoceros and the giraffe. The rhinoceros grunted fiercely, making the fox run away. The giraffe could not hear what the fox said. Saddened by the turn of events, the fox returned home to its burrow in the evening. Just as it climbed down a hill, the setting sun in the west cast its rays on the fox, making it look gigantic.

The fox was thrilled. It thought, I didn’t know that I was so huge. Why then was I afraid of the lion? I am bigger, much bigger than the lion. The idea of its strength and power was so intoxicating to the fox that he strutted straight to the lion’s den to show off its might and ended up as the lion’s dinner that night.

Know your strength. More than that, know your limitations.

Let’s be careful as to what we showcase to the world.