The Promises That Were Never Kept
A rich and proud merchant sails out to sea on his ship. The sky turns dark and a terrible storm begins. The waves shake the ship and the ship leans over. The merchant shouts in fear and begs the gods.
"Save me, and I will give you a hundred gold coins!" he cries. The storm grows stronger and the ship starts to sink. This time the merchant promises a thousand gold coins. The waves throw him into the water, but he catches a piece of wood. He holds the wood tightly and stays alive.
The storm stops and the sea carries the merchant to the shore. He stands up on the sand in his wet clothes. An old and wise fisherman comes to him and asks a question. "What did you promise the gods in the storm?" he asks. The merchant shrugs and laughs. "Me? I did not say anything," he says. The fisherman shakes his head and walks away.
Actions speak louder than words.