The Fox and the Crow

A crow, having found a piece of cheese, flew to the top of a tree where she hoped to enjoy her meal. A fox caught sight of her and thought “If I plan this right, I shall have cheese for supper.” “Good day, Mistress Crow,” he said in his most politest tone. “How well you are looking today! How glossy your feathers are and how bright your eyes. Your voice must surpass that of other birds, just as your beauty does. Let me hear but one song from you.” The crow, being flattered by these words, lifted up her head and began to caw her best. The moment she opened her mouth the cheese fell to the ground only to be snapped up by the fox. As the fox walked away with the cheese, he offered this piece of advice to the crow. “The next time someone praises your beauty, be sure to hold your tongue.”

This morning while in the shower praying for various people, the Lord reminded me of the Aesop fable I heard as a child. I was then reminded of the wisdom found in this simple fable.The Lord has put goodness in our hearts. I often watch people willing to give up what they have received by listening to the wisdom of flattery. Last night I read of a young Christian woman deceived by the wiles of a less than honoring man. It broke my heart.

The other day I wrote about the issues of “war” from the book of James in regard to dads and their children.

The deceiver is staging a domestic war in your mind. Will you win? Or succumb? What will you believe?

I feel like we are watching folks getting suckered, caught up in the webs of deception, choosing riches over wisdom. (Do we see the downfall of Solomon here?)

Be careful who you hang out with. Watch their words, but mostly watch their direction. Inquire of those with wisdom.

The Spider And The Fly
A Fable

by Mary Howitt  (1799-1888)

“Will you step into my parlor?” said the spider to the fly;
“’Tis the prettiest little parlor that ever you did spy.
The way into my parlor is up a winding stair,
And I have many pretty things to show when you are there.”
“O no, no,” said the little fly, “to ask me is in vain,
For who goes up your winding stair can ne’er come down again.”

“I’m sure you must be weary, dear, with soaring up so high;
Will you rest upon my little bed?” said the spider to the fly.
“There are pretty curtains drawn around, the sheets are fine and thin,
And if you like to rest awhile, I’ll snugly tuck you in.”
“O no, no,” said the little fly, “for I’ve often heard it said,
They never, never wake again, who sleep upon your bed.”

Said the cunning spider to the fly, “Dear friend, what shall I do,
To prove the warm affection I’ve always felt for you?
I have within my pantry good store of all that’s nice;
I’m sure you’re very welcome; will you please to take a slice?”
“O no, no,” said the little fly, “kind sir, that cannot be;
I’ve heard what’s in your pantry, and I do not wish to see.”

“Sweet creature!” said the spider, “You’re witty and you’re wise!
How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes!
I have a little looking-glass upon my parlor shelf,
If you’ll step in one moment, dear, you shall behold yourself.”
“I thank you, gentle sir,” she said, “for what you’re pleased to say,
And bidding you good-morning now, I’ll call another day.”

The spider turned him round about, and went into his den,
For well he knew the silly fly would soon be back again:
So he wove a subtle web, in a little corner sly,
And set his table ready to dine upon the fly.
Then he came out to his door again, and merrily did sing
“Come hither, hither, pretty fly, with the pearl and silver wing:
Your robes are green and purple; there’s a crest upon your head;
Your eyes are like the diamond bright, but mine are dull as lead.”

Alas, alas! how very soon this silly little fly,
Hearing his wily flattering words, came slowly flitting by.
With buzzing wings she hung aloft, then near and nearer drew
Thinking only of her brilliant eyes, and green and purple hue;
Thinking only of her crested head — poor foolish thing! At last,
Up jumped the cunning spider, and fiercely held her fast.
He dragged her up his winding stair, into his dismal den,
Within his little parlor; but she ne’er came out again!

And now, dear little children, who may this story read,
To idle, silly, flattering words, I pray you ne’er give heed;
Unto an evil counselor close heart, and ear, and eye,
And take a lesson from this tale of the Spider and the Fly.