Updated on March 26, 2025
Knowing your true enemies in life can be challenging, as they are not always the ones openly against you. In a quiet neighborhood, a lawyer and an artist lived as acquaintances. Though they were not close friends, they exchanged greetings daily.
Who Are Your True Enemies? – Short Story
In a quiet neighborhood, a lawyer and an artist lived as acquaintances. Though they were not close friends, they exchanged greetings daily.
One day, the lawyer visited the artist with a grave expression and said,
“I need to tell you something. A client of mine had some terrible things to say about you. He claimed that you are a terrible artist and your work is worthless. He even said that only fools would buy your paintings. He continued with even harsher words that I hesitate to repeat. This man is your enemy!”
The artist let out a long, deep sigh and muttered, “Yes, he is my enemy. He is truly my enemy.”
The following day, the lawyer returned with another revelation.
“Listen, I met someone at a restaurant who spoke very poorly of you. He accused you of being a heavy drinker, a drug abuser, and even a former criminal. Not only did he tell me, but he also announced it to everyone in the restaurant. This man is also your enemy. Now, you have two enemies!”
The artist sighed heavily again and murmured, “Yes, he is my enemy. I have two enemies.”
On the third day, the lawyer visited once more, his face dark with concern.
“Today, a man from our neighborhood stopped me and said something even worse. He claims you have a highly contagious disease and is warning people to stay away from you. He is telling everyone to avoid you at all costs. He is also your enemy! That makes three enemies now.”
But this time, instead of sighing, the artist shook his head and said with a calm smile, “No, you’re mistaken. I have four enemies.”
The lawyer was taken aback. “No, it’s three!” he protested.
The artist leaned in slightly and whispered, “No, it’s four. You forgot to count yourself. You see, the fact that you did not defend my name while these people were slandering me, but instead rushed to tell me about it, makes you my enemy as well. You are the worst of them all.”
The lawyer stood in stunned silence, his face flushed with shame. Without another word, he turned and walked away, his head hanging like that of a chastised child.
Lessons to Learn:
- Silence in the Face of Slander is Complicity
People who remain silent when others defame you are not your allies. If they truly respect you, they will defend you in your absence rather than bring negativity to you. - Not Everyone Who Brings You News is a Friend
Some people take pleasure in relaying gossip and bad news under the guise of concern. Be wary of those who claim to be on your side but never stand up for you. - True Friends Defend, Not Just Inform
A real friend will challenge false accusations about you rather than act as a messenger of negativity. They will shield your reputation instead of feeding you with harmful words. - Wisdom in Choosing Who to Trust
Just because someone shares damaging news with you does not mean they have your best interests at heart. Sometimes, they are just testing your reaction or enjoying your pain. - Your Greatest Enemy May Be Closer Than You Think
Pay attention to those who claim to be on your side but fail to stand up for you when it matters. Their silence or inaction speaks volumes.
Conclusion
The story teaches a powerful lesson: Our true enemies are not just those who slander us, but also those who fail to defend us. A friend who remains quiet in the face of injustice is no friend at all. In life, always be discerning about who truly supports you and who merely watches while others seek to bring you down. Choose your circle wisely, and surround yourself with those who uplift rather than diminish you.
- The Gift Of Giving: Story Of The Struggles Of A Poor Family
- The Magical Guava Tree: Moral Story For Kids
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PVM
Mathukutty P. V. is the founder of Simply Life Tips, a blogger, content writer, influencer, and YouTuber passionate about learning and sharing. Guided by “Simple Living, Creative Thinking,” he believes in the power of knowledge sharing and lifelong learning.
