SKEPTICS may ask, why don’t people follow the advice of numerous proverbs and maxims of forethought available for centuries? Instead, they conclude that these apply only after some rightful venture has gone “horribly wrong.” When, for instance, a person gambles and loses all they have, including their house, why didn’t they remember the old Scottish proverb, “willful waste leads to woeful want?” But didn’t the gambler know this well-worn saying from earlier years? However, it wouldn’t have done much good. So, are the maxims of morality useless because people disregard them? For Christians and Jews, the Book of Proverbs is a great example. Yet, what about other religions and philosophers?

For instance, Panchatantra stories were written in Sanskrit. Later they were translated into several languages and widely distributed. Panchatantra combines the words Pancha – meaning five, and Tantra – meaning weave. Translated, it represents interweaving five traditions and teaching threads of yarn into one text.

Here’s one to think about:

HIS action, no applause invites

Who simply good with good repays.

He only justly merits praise

Who wrongful deeds with a kind response.

It reminds us of the words of Jesus, “Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Give to anyone who asks, and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back.” (Luke 6:28-30 – NLT)