The Golden Silence

One day, a boastful man came to Emperor Akbar’s court, claiming, “No one in this empire can sing better than I do. My voice is a gift the world deserves to hear!”

The courtiers looked at one another, some amused, others annoyed by his arrogance. Akbar, curious, was about to ask him to perform but Birbal stepped forward with a calm smile.

Before the man could sing, Birbal handed him a small pouch filled with gold coins.

The man looked confused. “What’s this for? I haven’t sung yet.”

Birbal replied, “Exactly. This is a reward for staying silent. Because your silence is far more pleasant and valuable than a song born from pride.”

The court burst into laughter. Even Akbar chuckled at Birbal’s clever way of diffusing the situation.

The man, realizing the message behind the gesture, quietly accepted the coins and said no more.

Moral: Sometimes silence is more valuable than empty praise or noise.