A parable: Once
there was a king who held daily court for his people. They would line up for a chance to see the
monarch, or better, to have a word with him.
One poor man showed up regularly. In his rags he would present the king with a
fruit on each occasion. The king graciously accepted it and then threw it
aside, seeing the source it came from.
For ten years the beggar showed up at the palace and
presented his gift. One day, a monkey
escaped from its cage, grabbed the proffered fruit, and took a bite. Squealing in pain the monkey threw it aside,
revealing a precious gem inside.
Mishna: "Do not look at the container but its contents." (Avot 4:20)
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