There once lived a rich man with his three sons. The aged father was worried that when Death's Messenger came to take him away, his successors would not make sensible use of his fortune. So he came up with a test and called his three sons before him.

"To determine who is the wisest among you," said the father, "I shall give each of you the same amount of money. You must buy with the money whatever you think will fill the stockroom to the fullest. Whoever does so the most wisely will manage the family fortune."

The three sons took the money and set out in search of the perfect stuff to fill the stockroom. The oldest son came across a huge umbrella-like tree on his way. He figured the exuberant branches and twigs and leaves would extend to every corner of the room and thus fill it. So he bought the tree from the landlord and hired some workers to carry it home.

The second son's eyes sparkled with joy when he saw a haystack in a field. He figured the hay, light and cheap, would be the most economical filler. So he bought the haystack and hired some workers to carry it home.

The youngest son wanted to find the most cost-effective way to fill the room. He thought about it over and over again. Finally he only bought a candle. When he came home and lit the candle in the stockroom, the light brightened up the whole room. His father was pleased and appointed his youngest child to manage the family assets.

There is a lamp of wisdom within everyone, but all too often it is concealed by all kinds of bad habits. Those who think they are always right may be always wrong. If we refuse to listen to others, we are very likely to end up in dire straits.