What Is The Moral Of The Fable "The Scorpion And The Frog"?

Don't be surprised by someone's actions.  If it has always been their nature to be (you fill in the blank), why would you expect any different?  Was is it really a surprise that the scorpion stung someone?

In this short and simple Aesop's fable, a scorpion, who couldn't swim, asked a frog to carry him across the river on her back. The frog hesitated, saying, "I'm afraid you will attack me." But the scorpion pointed out that it wouldn't be in his interest to do that, because, if the frog died in the water, he would drown. So she consented.

As they were half way across the water, the scorpion suddenly whipped up his tail and stung the frog hard. As the poison spread through the frog and she began to sink, she whispered, "Why? Why did you do that, when now we must both die?"

"Because," the scorpion replied sadly, "it's in my nature to sting. I'm sorry." As he spoke, they both disappeared beneath the water. The moral of the fable is that we can't overcome our nature, even if it works against our interest.

This is a story about one's character.  I have often said that one's "character" is who we are when noone but God is looking.  The scorpion proves that point.  When all facades and pretensions are gone...he is simply a scorpion.

Everyone always makes this fable out to be a "warning". Saying things like , "never trust this type of person..." etc.

I don't see it that way. To me it feels like is says, “When you know who you are talking to, use your brain and think about who they are first. Don't cry about it when they respond honestly according to their nature.” They are just being themselves.

Consider these examples:

• If you ask a priest if you should go to church.
• If you ask a protest organizer if you should participate in the march.
• If you ask a Republican if you should vote Republican or Democrat.
  
• If you ask a restaurant owner if you should eat out more.
  

Nothing here is evil or sinister. It’s more of a, “look before you leap” kind of thing. Just don’t blame somebody for being true to their own character. Accept people for who they are and if you sense danger, stay away.

Can you try to change a person? Maybe. Just be aware that the outcome is not guaranteed.

Do not expose your true nature and others will always underestimate your capabilities

To me it means when you give someone the opportunity to be the best they take it. When you give someone the opportunity it comes to show which one they are. Are they the frog or are they the scorpion.