There was a lion who’s partner told him that his breath smelled. Offended and angry, he stormed away and decided to ask the opinion of others.

He first approached a sheep and said, “Tell me truthfully, does my breath smell?” The sheep, being honest, replied, “Yes, it does.” Enraged by the answer, the lion killed the sheep.

Later, he met a wolf. The wolf had already heard what happened to the sheep and was afraid. When the lion asked him the same question, the wolf quickly answered, “No, not at all.” The lion recognized the lie and, angered again, killed the wolf as well.

Finally, the lion came across a fox. When asked whether the lion’s breath smelled, the fox began coughing and said, “Your Majesty, I have a cold. I cannot smell anything, so I cannot answer you honestly either way.” The lion, finding no offense in this response, allowed the fox to go free.

The story highlights an important lesson about discernment. Not everyone who asks for advice is prepared to receive it. Speaking truth requires wisdom not only about what is said, but when, how, and to whom it is spoken. The moral reminds us to be thoughtful and vigilant when offering our own advice, understanding the character and intentions of those who seek it.