WHAT MEN LIVE BY (POINT-WISE SUMMARY)

Here is a simplified point-wise summary of the story:

1. Simon’s Life

   • Simon was a shoemaker who lived in a small hut with his wife, Matrena, and their children.
   • He had no property and earned his living through shoemaking.
   • Despite working hard, he struggled to afford basic needs.

2. The Need for a Coat

   • One winter, Simon saved some money to buy sheepskins for a new coat.
   • Their only coat was old and worn out.

3. Trip to the Village

   • Simon went to the village to collect money owed by his customers and buy the sheepskins.
   • He failed to collect the debts and spent his little money on vodka to keep warm.

4. Meeting a Stranger

   • On his way home, Simon saw a naked man sitting near a shrine.
   • At first, he was afraid and hesitant to help.
   • His conscience made him return and assist the man.
   • Simon gave him his coat and brought him home.

5. Matrena’s Reaction

   • Matrena was angry and suspicious, fearing Simon wasted their money and brought home a beggar.
   • She softened when the stranger, Michael, thanked them sincerely.

6. Michael’s Work

   • Simon gave Michael shelter and food.
   • Michael started working as a shoemaker and became very skilled.
   • His presence brought prosperity to Simon’s household.

7. The Wealthy Gentleman’s Order

   • A rich man ordered a pair of boots, demanding they last a year.
   • Michael sensed the man would die soon and made soft slippers instead.
   • The man died that evening, and his servant took the slippers for the dead body.

8. Meeting the Orphan Girls

   • Years later, a woman visited Simon’s house with two little girls, one of whom was lame.
   • She wanted shoes for them.
   • Michael was deeply moved by the sight of the girls.

9. Michael’s Revelation

   • The woman explained that she had adopted the girls after their parents died.
   • Michael then revealed his true identity as an angel.
   • He was sent to earth to learn three important truths.

10. The Three Truths Michael Learned

    • First Truth: "What dwells in man"
      • Learned when Matrena showed kindness to him.
      • Love and compassion are at the heart of human nature.
    • Second Truth: "What is not given to man"
      • Learned from the rich man who planned for a future he did not have.
      • Humans cannot predict or control their fate.
    • Third Truth: "What men live by"
      • Learned from the woman who raised orphaned children with love.
      • Love sustains human life.

11. Michael Returns to Heaven

    • After completing his mission, Michael ascended back to heaven.
    • Simon and Matrena understood that love is the true essence of life.