We may live roughly, but at least we are free from anxiety. You live in better style than we do, but though you often earn more than you need, you are very likely to lose all you have. You know the proverb, ‘Loss and gain are brothers twain.
-- Younger Sister (chapter 1)

Importance: In the opening scene, the two sisters argue over which of them has the more desirable life. The younger sister, who is married to the farmer Pahom, argues that farm work is humble but secure. She admits that her sister and husband have access to more luxuries in the city, but that costs and temptations might ruin them. These arguments foreshadow the story's morals about greed, and the proverb that the sister cites foreshadows the profound loss that Pahom faces after years of gain.

Our only trouble is that we haven't land enough. If I had plenty of land, I shouldn't fear...
-- Pahom (chapter 1)