Who work will eat

The phrase “who works will eat” is a simple yet powerful adage that underscores the principle of hard work and its rewards. It suggests that those who put in the effort and labor are entitled to enjoy the fruits of their work. Here’s a short story that illustrates this idea:

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**Who Works Will Eat**

In a small village nestled between mountains, there lived a wise old man named Baba Tunde. He was known for his deep wisdom and understanding of life. Every evening, the villagers would gather around him to hear his stories and learn from his teachings.

One day, a young man named Adamu approached Baba Tunde with a question. “Baba,” he said, “I am strong and able-bodied, but I have no food. Why am I hungry when others have enough to eat?”

Baba Tunde looked at Adamu with kind eyes and asked, “Tell me, Adamu, how do you spend your days?”

Adamu shrugged. “I roam the village, talking to people, and sometimes I help them with small tasks. But I do not have a steady job or work that keeps me busy.”

The old man nodded. “Come with me tomorrow morning, and I will show you something.”

The next morning, Baba Tunde took Adamu to a nearby farm where the villagers were hard at work. Some were planting seeds, others were harvesting crops, and a few were tending to the animals. The air was filled with the sounds of nature and the energy of labor.

“Look at these people,” Baba Tunde said. “They wake up early every day and work tirelessly. They plant, water, and nurture their crops, and in return, the land gives them food. They feed their animals, and in return, the animals provide them with milk, eggs, and meat. This is the natural order of life: those who work, eat.”

Adamu watched the villagers with newfound respect. He saw the satisfaction on their faces as they toiled in the fields, and the joy in their eyes as they gathered their harvest.

Baba Tunde continued, “If you want to eat, Adamu, you must work. You must contribute to the community and earn your share. Laziness brings hunger, but hard work brings abundance.”

From that day on, Adamu began to work alongside the other villagers. He found joy in the labor, pride in his contributions, and, most importantly, food on his table. He realized that Baba Tunde’s words were true: “Who works will eat.”

And so, the village prospered, with each person doing their part, knowing that their efforts would be rewarded. The lesson of hard work and its rewards became a guiding principle for all, passed down from generation to generation.

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This story emphasizes the value of hard work and the idea that everyone must contribute to their community or society in order to enjoy the benefits. It’s a timeless lesson that resonates in various cultures around the world.