Daily Story

The Book of Genesis in the Holy Bible depicts the story of the ‘Great Flood’ by which God wiped out the wicked people from the earth. He was pleased with Noah and so He decided to save him and his family from the flood. God ordered him to build an ark, a large wooden boat with ample rooms to accommodate and maintain representatives of every species of terrestrial animals and birds. Noah worked with his wife, his three sons- Shem, Ham and Japheth and their wives and constructed the huge ark. Then, following the directions of God, Noah and his sons brought pairs of all animals near the ark and marched them into the ark.

In a humorous legend, which is entirely fictitious, a stubborn donkey refused to enter the ark. Noah and his sons had to drag the adamant animal into the ark, overcoming his stupid resistance. In one version of the legend, Ham, a son of Noah furiously shouted to the donkey, “Oh, you devil, come into the ark” while pulling him with all his might. 

The Devil, who was awaiting an invitation to enter the ark accepted these impulsive words as an invitation and readily entered the ark. Though the story is entirely fictitious, the Bible states that Ham later came under the influence of the Devil and was tempted to treat his father Noah with disrespect. This evil act led to a historic curse. Noah cursed Ham that his descendants would become the slaves of his brothers’ descendants.

Harsh words, uttered impulsively can have disastrous consequences. Unkind words may cause deep wounds in the minds of those who hear them but wisely spoken words can heal.
Let us learn to be quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to become angry. Let us be kind and tender-hearted to one another, and forgive one another.