A dying man wants to prevent his family from inheriting his wealth. So he entrusts the money to his three closest friends: a doctor, a priest, and a lawyer.

He gives each friend an envelope with USD 1,000,000 in cash and makes them all swear to bury the money with him when he dies. They all shake hands and solemnly agree.

A few months later the man dies, and the three friends place their envelopes in the casket.

Later, privately, the doctor tells the others: “Gentlemen, I confess that my envelope did not have the full million dollars in it. Last winter the hospital badly needed a new dialysis machine. It cost USD 50,000. I feel that Bob would have approved, as it will save countless lives.”

Then the priest says: “I too have a confession. My envelope also did not have the full million dollars in it. The church orphanage badly needed repairs, which cost USD 60,000. We are naming a new wing in Bob’s honor, and I am sure he would have approved.”

Then the lawyer speaks up: “Gentlemen! I am ashamed of you. This was Bob’s dying wish! And you could not obey it? I assure you that MY envelope contained a CHECK for the FULL million dollars!”