One day, King Solomon was out hunting, when he saw two snakes in a fight. The larger snake was white and shining. The other snake was smaller and black with long poisonous fangs. Just as the black snake was going to bite the other snake which would kill it, the king picked up a huge rock and killed the black snake.The white snake then went away in the forest thinking, safe at last. Some time later King Solomon was confronted by a huge giant. The king was very scared. Then the giant told him that he was the white snake whose life he had saved and he explained that the black snake was an enemy who was trying to poison him. While fighting the two giants turned into snakes. "To show you my thanks for your help." the giant went on, "I would like to offer you a gift. Would you prefer a gift of gold or the gift of healing?" "I'm already rich enough and the gift of healing seems to be a better gift for a doctor." "Well then what gift would you like?" asked the giant. "Wisdom," replied the king. The giant then promised the king he would grant the wish he had asked for. This was how King Solomon became the wisest man in the world! |