When Moses freed the Israelites from bondage in Egypt, he became known throughout the world as a saintly figure. An Arabian King, who had heard of the miracles of Moses, asked one of his famous artists to go to the desert and depict Moses’ face on canvas. The artist’s mission was to be withheld from the knowledge of others. Several weeks later the artists brought back the painting. The king then invited all the wise men of his kingdom and said, “My friends, observe this painting, study the facial lines of this man, and tell me the type of person he is. Has he any virtues or is he filled with vices?”
The elder of the sages wrinkled his brow and said, “He has an ugly character.”
Another said, “He is very proud.”
A third one uttered, “He is ill tempered.”
The last of the group confidently replied, “He is the type of man who seeks honor.”
Finally the exclaimed together, “Such an individual has no love for God or mankind!”
“Hold your vile tongues!” The king called out. “Do you know that this is a painting of the divine Moses?”
”Our decision is as clear as the day,” the sages replied, “but there is a possibility that the artist not paint the portrait correctly.”
That is not true, the artist retorted. My painting is correct to the minutest detail but you are not wise men.”
The king was baffled for he knew not whom to believe. He therefore decided to go to the desert himself. When he saw Moses he discovered that the portrait was an identical image, but that is scholars were not skillful enough to detect the fine characteristics. When the king related to the incident to Moses the latter wisely smiled and said, “Noble king, your scholars are indeed talented. All the faults that they discovered in me are correct. However, I have overcome the evil characteristics that nature bestowed upon. As a mighty oak tree grows from a tiny acorn, so I have grown and nourished my soul. I acquired and instilled good habits in myself until the urge to perform noble deeds became second nature with me. That is why I am accepted in heaven as well as on earth.”
Moral: A person may overcome and discard his inherent evil characteristics by working to acquire good habits.
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