Long ago, a family's kitchen chimney was built so straight that flames shot out when cooking. A large pile of firewood sat right in front of the stove opening.
An elderly neighbor saw this and advised the master of the house: "You must quickly overhaul the chimney and bend it so the flames won't shoot out. You should also move the firewood pile farther from the stove; otherwise, it could easily catch fire."
The master paid no heed to the old man's warning.
One day, sparks landed on the firewood. Sure enough, the house was soon ablaze. Fortunately, all the neighbors rushed to help put out the fire.
To show his gratitude, the master held a feast for the neighbors who had helped. Those injured in the fire, especially the severely burned, were given the seats of honor. However, the old man who had offered the earlier advice was not invited.
As the guests were seated, a wise man said to the master: "If you had listened to that old man, overhauled the chimney, and moved the firewood, this fire would never have happened. It is right for you to thank those who helped put out the fire."