Tale of Two Monks

William J. Bausch once shared the following story:

Two monks were once traveling together down a muddy road. A heavy rain was falling. Coming around a bend, they met a lovely girl in a silk kimono and sash, unable to cross the intersection.

“Come on, girl,” said the first monk at once. Lifting her in his arms, he carried her over the mud. The second monk didn’t speak until that night, when they reached their lodging. He could no longer restrain himself.

“We monks don’t go near females,” he told the first with great energy, “especially not young and lovely ones. It is dangerous. Why did you do that?”

“I left the girl there,” said the first monk. “Are you still carrying her?”

We would be wise to remember Solomon’s words:

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life (Proverbs 4:23).