Best In Earthen Vessels

Rabbi Joshua, who lived in the time of the Emperor Trajan, was as ugly as he was learned and wise. So swarthy was he of complexion that he was nicknamed “The Blacksmith.” The children used to run after him in the street. Yet, his wisdom made him a special friend and a frequent visitor with the emperor.

On one visit the emperor’s daughter laughed at his unpleasant features, saying with a smile; “Rabbi, how is it that such great wisdom as yours should be contained in an ugly head?”

By way of answer the rabbi asked her: “Princess, in what vessels does your imperial father keep his wine?”

“In earthen jars,” she replied.

“Indeed,” exclaimed the rabbi, “why, all the common people keep their wine in earthen jars. The emperor should keep his in handsome vessels.”

Thinking he was in earnest, the princess hastened to have the butler transfer the royal wines into gold and silver vessels, with the result that the wine was sour when brought to the table.

The princess asked the rabbi why he had given her that advice, since he was considered so wise. “You have learned, princess, a simple lesson,” said the rabbi gravely. “Wine is best kept in common vessels: so is wisdom.”

Never again did the princess laugh at the rabbi’s unfavorable looks.