The Price of True Wisdom: A Parable on Value, Gratitude, and Inner Nobility

A king was looking for a wise personal advisor to serve as the shalish (a trusted aide) to his son, the prince.

From many candidates, the king chose a man renowned for his deep understanding of people. He had exceptional emotional intelligence and could assess someone's character in an instant. Not only that, but he was also an expert in horses and could determine the true value of diamonds.

As an expert in people, horses, and diamonds- man, animal, and inanimate objects, the king appointed him as his son's personal advisor, and they began their journey together.

The Test of the Horse

On their first outing, the prince turned to his new advisor and said, “I’d like to buy a fine warhorse.”

They visited a horse merchant and asked to see the best horse he had. The merchant proudly presented a majestic steed.

The advisor leaned in and whispered to the prince: “Be warned. This horse throws every rider off its back and then tramples them.”

The prince turned to the merchant and said, “Show me how to ride such a fine horse.”

The merchant climbed on the horse, galloped off, and just as predicted, the horse threw him to the ground and trampled him.

Amazed by the advisor’s wisdom, the prince pulled out a large bill and gave it to him as a reward.

The Test of the Diamonds

Next, they attended a diamond auction. Stunning, massive stones sparkled before them.

The advisor examined them carefully and said: “These aren’t real diamonds. They’re imitation glass cut to look like gems.”

To test this, the prince grabbed five of the stones and threw them to the ground. Sure enough, they shattered into shards.

Once again, in awe of the advisor’s insight, the prince handed him another generous bill.

The Test of the Soul

Then the prince said, “You’ve proven your expertise with horses and diamonds. Now prove your expertise with people. What can you tell me about me?”

The advisor looked him straight in the eyes and said: “You’re not a prince. You’re not the king’s biological son. You were taken in from the marketplace. You don’t have royal blood.”

Shocked, the prince ran to the king and queen and asked if it was true. They admitted, “Yes. We were childless. We adopted you from the street. But you are our son in every way that matters.”

He returned to the advisor and asked, “How did you know? How could you possibly figure that out?”

The advisor replied: “My dear, if someone rewards the man who saved him from death by wild horse with just a bill…and thanks the one who saved him from wasting a fortune on fake diamonds with another bill…it shows he doesn’t have royal blood. True royalty would have expressed gratitude in a way that couldn’t be measured in money.”

Sometimes we think we're being clever or frugal, but in doing so, we reveal just how small our mindset really is. Wisdom, intelligence, and understanding aren’t simply about knowing when to save money, but about when to spend generously, especially on what truly matters.

When you invest in real value, in life-saving truths, in people and principles, you’re not simply spending. You are expressing the depth of your soul.