The Three Wise Words
A bird caught by a hunter said, "Free me and I will teach you three wise things."
The hunter agreed, and the bird flew to a branch above his head.
"First: never believe everything you are told. Second: never be sad about what is already gone."
"Third: never try to do what cannot be done." Then she laughed.
"And here is a fourth thing free. Inside me is a jewel bigger than your fist."
The hunter grabbed at the air and missed. "You forgot all three lessons in one minute," said the bird.
Knowing a wise saying is easy. Remembering it when it matters is the hard part.
WisdomDid you know?
This little tale is one of the most travelled stories in the world, told from India to Spain.
Try this at home
Pick one good rule and actually use it today.
Questions to talk about
Ask these after reading. The answer is underneath each one.
What did the bird offer?
Answer: Three wise things
What did the hunter do at the end?
Answer: Grabbed for the jewel
What is the moral?
Answer: Using wisdom is the hard part
Bring this story to life
In the Superkids app your child reads this story with pictures, hears it read aloud, answers the questions as a game, and earns stars for every story finished.
Start freeNo card needed.
