In the early days of creation, the Great Creator was busy designing every living creature. He kept a magnificent golden journal where he recorded the unique strengths, colors, and personalities of every animal before sending them down to Earth.
First, the Lion arrived. The Creator looked at him with kindness and said, "I grant you immense strength. Use it only to protect yourself and find your food, never to bully the weak." The Lion bowed respectfully and departed.
Nearby, a plain, grey Chameleon was watching. Seeing the Lion's departure, the Chameleon scurried up and whispered, "Oh, mighty King! Your golden mane is more dazzling than the sun itself! Surely, you are the masterpiece of all creation!" The Lion, flattered by the empty words, puffed out his chest and walked away proudly.
Next came the Tiger, with stripes as bright as embers. As the Creator was writing about the Tiger's grace, the Chameleon jumped in again. "Magnificent Tiger! Your orange coat is so vibrant, it makes the forest look dull! Even the stars would be jealous of your beauty!" The Tiger smiled, feeling very special.
This continued with the Bear and many others. The Chameleon would find each animal and shower them with exaggerated praise, hoping to learn the secrets of the Creator's journal. The Creator watched this quietly, realizing that the Chameleon did not value beauty or strength, but only used words to manipulate others.
One night, while the Creator rested, the Chameleon climbed onto the sacred journal. Looking up at the rainbow in the sky, it began to demand colors for itself. "I want the red of the rose! I want the green of the leaf! Give them to me!" it shouted repeatedly.
When the Creator awoke, He saw the Chameleon's greed and its habit of using false words to get what it wanted. "Because you use your tongue to deceive and change your nature to suit your whims, I will give you a gift that is also a warning," the Creator declared. "You shall gain the power to change your color to match anything. But remember, just as you change your colors to hide your true self, people will use your name to describe those who are untrustworthy and deceptive."
From that day on, the word 'Chameleon' became a term for someone who is inconsistent, untrustworthy, or uses flattery to hide their true intentions.
Moral
Flattery may gain you temporary attention, but dishonesty will define your reputation.
