The Fisherman and the Little Fish

A Fisherman who had been out all day with nothing to eat finally caught a small Fish at sunset. The Fish pleaded with the Fisherman to let him go. Please, kind sir, I am too small to be worth your while. If you put me back in the water, I will grow bigger and you can catch me another day. Then I will make you a much better meal.

The Fisherman smiled and shook his head. My dear little Fish, he said, I may be a poor fisherman, but I am not a fool. A small fish in the hand is worth more than a large fish in the sea. I have you now, and I am keeping you.

A certain small thing is worth more than an uncertain large thing. Contentment with what you have is wiser than gambling on what might be.