A Clever Monkey and a Dangerous Friend – A Story About Trust and Wisdom

This Jataka Tale reveals how a clever monkey escapes a dangerous friend by using wisdom. A story that teaches the power of thinking before trusting.

closest to us aren’t always safe.

Not every smile is honest. Not every kind word is kind in truth. Life teaches us to be open—but also wise.

There was once a monkey

who lived in a mango tree by the river.
The tree gave sweet fruits, and the monkey lived a happy, peaceful life. 

One day, a crocodile swam by and saw the monkey eating mangoes. The monkey, kind-hearted, shared his fruits. 

The crocodile enjoyed them and came back the next day. Day by day, their friendship grew.

But the crocodile had a secret.

He told his wife about the monkey and the sweet mangoes. His wife became jealous. “If the mangoes are this good,” she said, “imagine how sweet the monkey’s heart must be. Bring it to me.” 

The crocodile didn’t want to harm his friend, but he also didn’t want to displease his wife. 

So, with a heavy heart, he invited the monkey for a ride on his back across the river.

In the middle of the deep water,

the truth came out. The crocodile told the monkey about his wife’s wish. The monkey was shocked—but he didn’t panic. 

He stayed calm. “Oh,” said the monkey, “you should have told me earlier. I left my heart on the tree. Let’s go back and get it.” 

The foolish crocodile believed him and swam back. As soon as they reached the riverbank, the monkey jumped onto the tree and climbed high, out of reach.


“Friendship without honesty is danger,” the monkey said. “I trusted you, but now I see your heart clearly. Go. I will not be fooled again.”

The crocodile was left alone in the river, full of regret.

It’s good to be kind—

but be wise too. Not everyone who smiles beside you means well. Protect your heart. Trust slowly. Think clearly...

⭐ Have you ever trusted someone too quickly, only to be hurt later? It’s okay. It happens to many of us. 

But like the monkey, we learn. We grow. Wisdom is not about closing our heart, but learning how to keep it safe.

Your heart is valuable. Share your kindness, but don’t ignore red flags. Real friends don’t put you in danger. Be wise. Be kind. But most of all—be careful who you let close.

Tags: #girlofwisdom #jatakatales #motivation #starringgrowth #lifelessons