The Thread and the Sword

One morning, Emperor Akbar was reviewing his royal army. Soldiers stood tall, their polished swords gleaming in the sun. Proud of his strong forces, Akbar turned to Birbal and asked, “Tell me, Birbal what is stronger: a sword or a needle?”

The court smiled, expecting a clever twist.

Birbal didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he walked over to a soldier, borrowed his sword, and then took a fine piece of thread from a nearby tailor’s pouch.

Calmly, he used the delicate thread to tie the sword securely to its scabbard.

The courtiers chuckled, unsure of his meaning. Akbar raised an eyebrow.

Birbal turned to the emperor and said, “Jahanpanah, this thread soft and fragile has bound your mighty sword in place. The sword is sharp and fierce, but even it can be controlled by something gentle, if used wisely.”

He continued, “Strength may win battles, but wisdom wins loyalty. Brute power can strike, but only gentle intelligence can hold, guide, and resolve.”

Akbar smiled, deeply pleased with the message. “Once again, Birbal, you’ve taught with simplicity and depth.”

Moral: Wisdom and gentleness can accomplish what force alone never will.