No food for lazy man

Here’s a story that illustrates the saying “No food for lazy man,” which is similar in meaning to the previous one but with a focus on the consequences of laziness.

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**No Food for a Lazy Man**

In a bustling town, there lived a young man named Chinedu. Unlike his peers, who were busy working on farms, in shops, or learning trades, Chinedu was known for his laziness. He spent his days lounging under the big baobab tree, dreaming of wealth without lifting a finger.

One day, as he lay under the tree, Chinedu noticed the other villagers heading to the market with their goods. The farmers carried baskets of fresh produce, the artisans had crafted wares, and the fishermen brought in their daily catch. The market was alive with energy and the promise of trade.

As the day passed, Chinedu grew hungry. He had no money to buy food, and his stomach rumbled loudly. He decided to approach the villagers, hoping they would share their food with him.

First, he went to Amina, who was selling baskets of yams. “Amina, my friend,” Chinedu said, “please spare me some yams. I am very hungry.”

Amina looked at him sternly. “Chinedu, you do nothing all day but laze around. We all work hard to grow and harvest these yams. Why should I give them to someone who hasn’t lifted a finger?”

Disheartened, Chinedu moved on to Bayo, the fisherman. “Bayo, can you spare a fish for a hungry man?” he asked.

Bayo shook his head. “Chinedu, I spend hours at sea, battling the waves to bring in these fish. You can’t expect to eat if you haven’t worked for it.”

Chinedu felt a pang of shame but still hoped to find someone who would take pity on him. Finally, he approached Mama Ngozi, who was known for her kindness. “Mama Ngozi, please, can you give me something to eat?”

Mama Ngozi sighed deeply. “Chinedu, my son, it is not out of cruelty that we refuse you. It is to teach you a lesson. In this life, nothing is free. You must work to eat. If you continue to be lazy, you will continue to go hungry.”

With that, she handed him a small hoe. “Take this, and go to the farm. Work, even if just for a day, and you will see the difference.”

Reluctantly, Chinedu took the hoe and went to the farm. At first, he found the work tiring and difficult, but as the hours passed, he began to feel a sense of accomplishment. He tilled the soil, planted seeds, and watered the crops.

By the end of the day, Chinedu was exhausted, but he felt something new—pride. He had worked hard, and in return, Mama Ngozi gave him a warm meal and a small bag of yams to take home.

From that day forward, Chinedu changed his ways. He no longer spent his days under the baobab tree. Instead, he worked alongside the other villagers, learning the value of hard work. He understood now that there truly is no food for a lazy man.

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This story serves as a reminder that laziness leads to nothing but hunger and missed opportunities. It highlights the importance of contributing through work and the satisfaction that comes from earning one’s keep.