A raindrop one day fell into the ocean. When he fell in he regarded himself as low and nothing amidst the countless multitude of drops of water.
He felt ashamed of himself. And as he thought these thoughts an oyster took him in and the raindrop became a pearl over time. The raindrop became exalted for it was humble.
If we humble ourselves then will we be raised in honour and rank. And as for he who struts with pride, then pride felled the Devil from his place among the Angels to the pits of Hell. And pride comes before a fall.
From the Bustan of Sadi, Pg 55
