The Lawyer, the Teacher, and the Battle of Wits Over a Well
In a small village, a shrewd lawyer decided to sell his well to a humble teacher. The transaction seemed straightforward—money exchanged hands, papers were signed, and the teacher became the proud new owner of the well. But just two days later, the lawyer returned with a cunning proposition.
"Sir," the lawyer said with a sly smile, "I sold you the well, but the water inside is still mine. If you wish to use it, you’ll have to pay extra."
The teacher, a man of wisdom and quick wit, didn’t flinch. Instead, he smiled and replied, "Ah, what a coincidence! I was just about to come to you. You see, I only bought the well—not the water inside. So if you want to keep your water in my well, you’ll have to start paying rent from tomorrow. Otherwise, please take your water elsewhere."
The lawyer’s face fell. His clever trick had backfired spectacularly. Nervous laughter escaped his lips as he stammered, "Oh, I was just joking, sir!"
The teacher chuckled and delivered the final blow: "Remember, you started your learning from us before becoming a lawyer."
The Lesson in This Tale
This short but powerful exchange is more than just a humorous anecdote—it’s a lesson in fairness, wisdom, and the dangers of greed.
Greed Often Backfires
The lawyer thought he could outsmart the teacher by adding hidden conditions to the sale. But his attempt to extract extra money failed because the teacher was sharper. In life, those who try to take advantage of others often end up trapped in their own schemes.Wisdom Trumps Trickery
The teacher didn’t argue or get angry. Instead, he used logic to turn the tables. His calm response exposed the absurdity of the lawyer’s demand. True intelligence isn’t about deception—it’s about seeing through deception and responding with clarity.Respect for Educators
The teacher’s last remark—"You started your knowledge from us"—is a subtle reminder that lawyers, doctors, and professionals all begin their journeys under the guidance of teachers. No matter how clever someone becomes, they should never underestimate the wisdom of those who taught them.
Why This Story Resonates Today
In a world where people often look for loopholes to exploit others, this story serves as a timeless reminder that:
- Fair dealings build trust.
Had the lawyer been honest, he wouldn’t have been humiliated. - Quick thinking beats manipulation.
The teacher’s clever reply shows that wit is more powerful than deceit. - Knowledge should be used wisely.
The lawyer had education, but he misused it. True wisdom lies in using knowledge for good, not for trickery.
Final Thoughts
This tale isn’t just about a well and water—it’s about human nature. It teaches us that those who try to outsmart others may end up outsmarting themselves. And most importantly, it reminds us that no matter how high we rise, we should never forget the lessons (and the teachers) that got us there.
So the next time someone tries to pull a fast one on you, remember the teacher’s response—sometimes, the best way to defeat a trickster is to play their game better than they can.
What do you think? Have you ever encountered a situation where someone’s greed backfired on them? Share your thoughts in the comments!