The Minister’s Lie
One day, Emperor Akbar noticed a courtier frequently flattering him. Pleased by such praise, Akbar asked, “What is sweeter than honey?” The courtier, hoping to impress, replied, “Your Majesty’s words!”
Birbal’s Honesty
Later, Akbar posed the same question to Birbal. Without hesitation, Birbal answered, “Truth, O Emperor, is sweeter than honey. Honey pleases the tongue, but truth pleases the soul and grants eternal peace.”
The King’s Reflection
Akbar paused, contemplating Birbal’s wisdom. “Indeed,” he said, “truth has the power to conquer even the bitterest hearts. It is the foundation of dharma.”
Lesson to Be Learned
Flattery may win momentary favor, but truth wins the Lord’s grace. As Śrīla Prabhupāda writes, “A devotee never speaks lies, because Kṛṣṇa is the Absolute Truth.” To speak truth is to align with the Supreme Lord.
