The Ant and the Cicada
During hot summer days, the ant was carrying wheat grains to his nest preparing for winter. The cicada, on the other hand, was playing the lute and singing songs in the shade of a tree, scorning this effort of the ant. Finally when harsh winter arrived and everywhere was covered with snow, the starving cicada trembling knocked on the ant's door and asked for borrowed food. When the ant asked "What did you do all summer?" the cicada said "I sang songs"; the ant then said "If you sang songs in summer, dance in winter" and closed the door.
Those who do not take precautions for the future while opportunities, health, and youth exist experience misery and embarrassment when difficult times arrive. Working and sweating on time is the greatest guarantee for the future. Irresponsibility and laziness give momentary pleasure but bring great ruin in the long run. One who does not sweat in summer trembles in winter.
One who does not make preparation in youth and abundance becomes miserable in winter. Working on time protects the future. Laziness later brings misery. One working in summer is comfortable in winter.
Irresponsibility ends painfully. Investing in the future is wisdom. Sweat of the brow is the guarantee of winter.