"Honesty is the Best Policy" is a universal truth. The fruits of honesty are honour, grace and reward. While, dishonesty brigs about disgrace, curse and abuse. The story of a woodcutter proves the truth of this famous proverb
Once there lived a poor woodcutter in a certain village. He was honest and pious. He earned his livelihood by cutting woods all they day long. One day, as usual, he was cutting woods at the bank of river. By chance his axe slipped from his hands and fell into the river. He became gloomy and did not know what to do. He began to shed tears and prayed to God for help.
Just then, An angel, happened to pass that way. He came to the old wood-cuter and asked the cause of his distress. The woodcutter told him that his axe had fallen into the river and he could not buy another. An Angel was much moved on seeing his pathetic condition. He assured him of his help and jumped into the river. He brought out a golden axe and gave it to the woodcutter. But, the woodcutter refused to take it and said,"This is not mine." Angel once again dived into the water and brought out a silver axe. The woodcutter once again refused to take it and said, "My axe is made of iron."Angel jumped into the river for third time and brought out his iron axe. On seeing his axe, the woodcutter cried with joy, "Yes, this is mine."
The woodcutter got his axe and thanked him. Angel was greatly impressed by the honesty of the poor woodcutter. He praised his honesty and gave him the other two axes as a reward. This story proves that honesty is the best policy.