His grief was lessened by the survival of a healthy baby girl. He spent the next 18 years doting lovingly over his daughter. She was his world. According to the laws of the land, she was to be married at age 18.

Since he could not make an exception to the law, the king devised a plan — a simple contest. Suitors had a choice of three pieces of paper. If they selected the one with an X they would be allowed to marry the princess. If not, death would be their punishment. Many fine handsome suitors came from around the nation. One by one, they made their selection. One by one, they met their death.

You see, the king was not playing on a level playing field. He had no intention of letting his pride and joy get married! He made sure his daughter would remain in his house forever. You see, there was not a paper marked with an X — all three pieces of paper were blank! After several failed attempts and a couple of years later, the suitors stopped coming. The princess, as much as she loved her father, yearned for a husband and a family of her own.

One of the princess’ lifetime friends and a beloved young man around the palace decided he would try his luck to marry the princess. A close confidante of the king heard of his decision. He warned him of the three blank pieces of paper and pleaded with him not to try. The young man was determined and announced his decision to play the game. The court was hot, full of tension, and silence filled the air when the young man walked up to the king’s chair and looked down at the three pieces of paper.

Outside, curious subjects strained to see what was happening and wondering how long before another head would be on the castle walls. The princess was full of fear and of hope at the same time. The king sat calmly and confidently in his high big chair waiting for the young man to pick, knowing his fate. He married the princess and they lived happily ever-after.

Life brings us many a contest and not all are played on a level playing field. I am here to tell you that words of wisdom can level the playing field. The following are a couple I have lived by:

A good name is more desirable than great riches (live honorably).

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another (learn from others).

A cheerful heart is good medicine (look on the bright side of things).

Now the rest of the story — the young man picked up the middle piece of paper and immediately popped it into his mouth and swallowed. He asked the king to turn over the remaining pieces of paper in the company of the entire assembled audience. Of course, they were both blank. The king was forced to admit that the young man had indeed selected the marked piece of paper. He dared not discredit himself in front of his entire country.

In this imaginary tale, words of wisdom saved the young man’s life and gave him a better life. If you examine your own life, maybe you can look back and see where words of wisdom have helped you. If you have never read or put into practice words of wisdom, now would be a great time. It is never too late to let words of wisdom level the playing field for you.