Collecting the Debt of Half a Coin

1. There was a rich merchant who lives on top of the hill.
2. He possessed a lot of jewelries.
3. He lent half a coin to a friend who took a long time in repaying him.
4. Hmmm! He had not paid his debt for a long time.
5. I shall look for him to collect the debt.
6. On his way, he paid two coins as ferry fare to cross a river,
7. Upon his arrival at the debtor’s house, he found that he was not at home.
8. On his trip back, he paid once again two coins as ferry fare.
9. As a result of collecting the half a coin debt, he lost four coins and suffered fatigue of traveling.

Explanation:

To seek a little fame and gain, people will spare no pains to bring ruin upon what should be their greater concern. They seek self-preservation at the expense of morality. Consequently, they will earn a bad name in this life and suffer retribution in the hereafter.