The Horse and the Groom
A deceitful groom secretly stole the feed and barley belonging to the horse, sold them in the market, and put the money in his own pocket. In return, every day for hours the groom combed the horse's fur, cleaned his hair, and adorned him brilliantly. Left without feed, growing weak, and losing strength day by day, the horse could not stand the deceitful groom's fake attention. The horse said to the groom "If you truly want me to be brilliant and healthy, stop combing my hair and do not steal my barley."
Showy and fake manifestations of affection cannot hide the usurpation of a person's basic needs and rights. Hypocritical people try to cover up the injustices they commit with fancy words and superficial attention. Insincere, artificial behavior can never replace genuine labor and honesty. True friendship lies not in superficial care, but in honesty and delivering what is due.
Hypocritical fake love cannot hide what is due. Fancy talk does not fill the stomach. Honesty is superior to fake care. The deceitful one's attention is a trap.
A true friend does not steal what is due. Showiness does not meet basic needs. Fake love weakens.