Stories about honesty have always inspired young minds. The Honest Merchant story is one such short story that teaches the timeless value of truthfulness and integrity.
This moral story is ideal for students from classes 3 to 10. Younger students will enjoy the short version, while older ones can refer to the longer version and its moral interpretation.
Short Story in English with Moral
Ramu – The Honest Merchant
Once upon a time, in a small village, there lived a merchant named Ramu. He was known far and wide for his honesty and kindness. Everyone in the village trusted him because he always spoke the truth and gave the correct items to his customers.
One day, a traveler came to his shop to buy some things. After paying, the man left in a hurry. Ramu later found a small pouch on the floor filled with money. He understood it belonged to the traveler.
Instead of keeping the money, Ramu waited for the man to return. When the traveler came back, worried and searching, Ramu smiled and returned the pouch. The man was so happy and said, “You’re truly honest!”
From that day on, even more people started coming to Ramu’s shop because they knew they could trust him. His honesty brought him not only peace but also prosperity.
Moral of the Story:
Honesty brings respect, trust, and true happiness.
Long Story in English with Moral
The Honest Merchant – Who Gained Everyone’s Trust
Long ago in a peaceful village, there lived a merchant named Ramu. He owned a small shop that sold everyday goods. While other merchants often tricked people by giving less or charging more, Ramu always gave the right weight and fair prices. The villagers admired his honesty.
One evening, after closing the shop, Ramu found a small leather bag lying near the counter. Curious, he opened it and was shocked to see it filled with shiny gold coins. Ramu quickly realized that the bag belonged to a rich customer who had come earlier. Despite being poor himself, he had no intention of keeping it.
The next morning, the wealthy man returned, looking worried. Ramu welcomed him and handed over the bag of coins without hesitation. The man was astonished. “You could have kept it, and no one would’ve known,” he said. Ramu replied, “My honesty is worth more than gold.”
Impressed, the rich man rewarded him with some coins and told everyone in town about his honesty. The story spread, and people from nearby villages also began to visit Ramu’s shop. His business grew, but he remained the same humble man.
Moral of the Story:
True honesty shines even when no one is watching. It builds trust that lasts forever.
Characters from the Story
- Ramu – The honest merchant
- Traveler – The man who forgets his pouch
- Villagers – Customers who admire and trust Ramu
Vocabulary
| Words | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Merchant | A person who buys and sells goods |
| Integrity | Doing the right thing even when it’s hard |
| Pouch | A small bag, often used to carry money |
| Respect | Feeling of admiration or honor for someone |
| Honest | Always telling the truth and doing the right thing |
| Admire | To respect or look up to someone |
FAQs
Q1. What is the moral of The Honest Merchant story?
Ans. The story teaches us that honesty brings trust, respect, and lasting success.
Q2. Who is the main character of The Honest Merchant story?
Ans. Ramu, the honest merchant, is the main character.
Q3. What did Ramu do with the forgotten pouch?
Ans. He waited for the owner and returned it without hesitation.
Q4. Why did people trust Ramu?
Ans. Because he was fair, honest, and always did the right thing.
Q5. What lesson can students learn from this story?
Ans. Always be honest, even when tempted to do otherwise.