The Wise Carpenter

One day, a skilled carpenter arrived at Emperor Akbar’s court, proudly declaring, “Your Majesty, I can build anything palaces, bridges, even dreams in wood!”

Akbar, intrigued by his confidence, decided to put his claim to the test in a most unusual way.

Pointing to two senior ministers who had been in constant conflict for weeks, Akbar said, “Then build peace between these two men.”

The court fell silent. The carpenter looked confused but nodded, trying to mediate between the ministers. He used polite words, suggested compromises, even offered gifts of handcrafted chairs to lighten the mood. But the ministers remained bitter, unwilling to forgive or listen.

Finally, the carpenter returned to Akbar and said, “Forgive me, Your Majesty. I cannot build peace between them. I build with tools, not tempers.”

Birbal stepped forward with a calm smile. “That is the truth, Jahanpanah. A carpenter shapes wood. But peace is not built with tools it is crafted with wisdom, patience, and understanding. True craftsmen of peace are not those who work with hands, but with hearts.”

Akbar nodded thoughtfully. “Skill may build walls and halls but wisdom builds bridges between people.”

The court was humbled, and even the feuding ministers paused in reflection.

Moral: Skill can shape the world but only wisdom can shape human hearts.