Roshan, the School teacher, was requested by his sister’s neighbor to come to her house and talk to her son.

“He does no work, makes new friends and squanders his father’s money by always gifting to his friends and is neglecting his studies,” she complained. “If he does not reform, we will be ruined.”

Roshan went to the neighbor’s house and met the boy who was genuinely pleased to see him. The two of them became good friends in no time. They had spent many happy hours together.

The young man knew why the School teacher had come and braced himself for the scolding he was sure he would receive. But Roshan said not a word in rebuke, the whole day.

The next morning when it was time for him to go, he got ready and then said to the little boy: “Will you help me tie the thongs of my sandals? My hands shake and I cannot do it.”

His nephew helped him willingly.

“Thank you,” said Roshan. “A man becomes older and feebler day by day. You remember how strong and robust I used to be?”

“I do,” said the boy, thoughtfully. “I do indeed remember how you used to be.”

It was the moment of truth for him. He suddenly realized that his mother and all those who had looked after him had become old and that it was now his turn to look after them and to take on the responsibilities of the household and the community.

He gave up his dissolute life forever.

Moral of the story: Succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.