Once upon a time, there lived a wealthy man in Israel who had two sons. Caleb, the first son, was an impeccable son, as he was intelligent, hard-working, honest, and polite. Therefore, he was highly respected and admired by his servants. The other son Campbell, on the other hand, was a disgusting snob who was a perfect model for arrogance, dereliction, and impertinent attitude. Campbell disliked working, and wondered why he had to work when his father still gave him good foods and good clothes. Also, he was bored to death by the daily routine with his brother and father. He was desperate to savor the freedom, using his abundant money all for himself.
One day, Campbell decided to ask his father for a part of the estate. Even though he had his own money, he knew he needed even more to fully enjoy his time with exorbitant wines and exquisite cuisines. When Campbell made the insolent request to the father, the servants and Caleb were appalled at the greedy behavior and shouted to the father to never give Campbell the money. However, without hesitation, the father handed Campbell the money, saying, "I love you, my son." Leaping with excitement, Campbell rushed out of the house without a word of thanks.
For the next five months, he roamed around the city, tasting the delicious meals every day and spending huge portions of his money on jewels and luxuries. He did not have to be stressed about working in his farm or respecting the others; everything was his world. The ecstatic days, unfortunately, did not continue for long.
Because he was only spending but never gaining, Campbell quickly ran out of money. He did not have a single penny to buy himself a small part of bread. Consequently, he was forced to sell all of his belongings back to the other people not to starve to death. When he was out of the jewels and clothes, he became a miserable beggar on the street. He was a shabby, poverty-stricken, sick man, grabbing at people's ankles for pennies or sometimes left-over rotten foods.
Weeping with depression, Campbell regretted his past behaviors. 'Only if I had been obedient to my father... Only if I had used the money efficiently...' he thought. At last, Campbell realized that his greed had led him to a failure in his life, and knew the only solution for survival was to return to his father. Therefore, he lifted himself up and headed towards his home.
For Campbell, it was good to be back at home. The elegant manor warmly greeted him, the vast land of farm welcomed him, and the delicate willows waved their frail hands... until his servants saw him and started growling with shock and anger. Terrified, Campbell ran towards the back gate and quickly entered the house. Then there he was, Campbell's father. Calm and mild as the beautiful weather outside, he smiled at the servants walking by and turned around, seeing Campbell standing in front of him. Before the father could say a word, Campbell kneeled down to the floor and started crying.
"Father! My dear father! I cannot say sorry right now as my apologies are too great and too much to be said in few words; but please forgive this pathetic son who has sinned against your kindness. This brute has finally realized your unfailing love that was bestowed all the time, as he was experiencing the agonizing and deathly results its absolute, foolish disobedience. So my loyal father, please do not blame yourself for having such a useless son like me, and use me as a slave who is right to endure the labor and pain all throughout his life."
Hearing the sorrowful repent, the father was gratified by the changed nature of his second son. However, he was more happy than gratified, as his lost son came back after the months of departure! Grinning with joy, he tightly hugged Campbell and wiped off the tears from his son's shabby face. He considered this to be the happiest moment in his days and busily ordered the servants for new clothes and best foods. It was then when the first son Caleb stormed in.
"Father! How your generosity ruins my day! For the last countless years I had been working hard while Campbell was doing nothing. I had been cleaning and helping the servants and respecting everybody, when he was extremely rude and lazy. I had been waiting for my party, my celebration, not that brute's party."
When the servants vigorously nodded at Caleb's statement, the father sighed. Shaking his head, he said: "The party will proceed on. My acolytes and my son Caleb, think once again. I understand how much you abhor Campbell's part behaviors, but you have seen how all of that attitude is now gone. He has become a new man. It is a happy day, or a happy "birthday", for the lost son has come back alive and has repented with an angel's mind."
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