Mullah Nasruddin used to go once a week to the market to buy the provisions he and his wife would need. As he usually gathered a rather heavy burden of fruits and vegetables and other necessities, he would hire a man to carry everything for him when he made the journey home.

One week, though, the crowds around the market were thick, and somehow Nasruddin and the porter were separated. The Mullah looked everywhere for the man, but could not find him, and at last returned home empty handed – for which his wife gave him a vigorous scolding.

The following week, Nasruddin returned to the market, and meeting a friend there, told him the sad story of what had happened with the porter.

“Mullah,” said the man, “that is terrible! That porter owes you for your groceries!”

And as the Divine Hand of Providence directed, at that very moment they both saw the porter in the distance. But instead of running after him, Nasruddin ducked into a doorway and hid.

“Mullah,” said the friend, “what are you doing? Go after the porter and demand that he pay you!”

“I can’t afford to,” said Nasruddin. “If I make him pay for the groceries, he’ll make me pay for carrying them for a whole week, and that is more than the groceries are worth.”