The Sparrow and the Crows

Proverbs 1:10-16

Once, in a small meadow bordered by a thick forest, there lived a young sparrow named Calen. One sunny morning, as he hopped about in search of seeds, a group of crows descended from the trees.

"Ah, little sparrow," cawed the leader of the crows, a large bird with sharp eyes named Bran. "Why do you toil so hard for scraps? Join us, and we shall show you how to feast like kings."

Curious but wary, Calen asked, "What must I do to feast as you do?"

Bran's feathers ruffled with excitement. "Come with us into the farmer's field. Together, we’ll raid his grain store. There’s enough for all, and no one will suspect such clever birds as us."

"But isn't that stealing?" Calen chirped.

Bran scoffed. "Stealing? No, little one. It is simply taking what others have too much of. Besides, if we are caught, there is strength in numbers. Join us, and you'll never want for food again."

The other crows cawed in agreement, their voices echoing through the trees. Calen's heart fluttered. The promise of easy food was tempting, but something deep within told him to beware.

"I... I think I’ll stay here," he said hesitantly. "Thank you, but I prefer to gather my own seeds."

The crows laughed mockingly. "Suit yourself, fool," Bran sneered. With a great flapping of wings, they rose into the sky and disappeared toward the farmer's field.

Hours later, as Calen perched on a branch to rest, he heard a commotion in the distance. The farmer had set a trap, and the crows, too busy feasting on stolen grain, had been caught. Bran's angry caws echoed in the meadow as the farmer carried the cage away.

Shaking his head, Calen murmured to himself, "Better a humble meal earned with honesty than a feast that leads to ruin."

Moral:

"My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not." (Proverbs 1:10)