Option (क) is correct because the context explicitly mentions that the painter saved himself from the trouble by using his cleverness ('चित्रकार अपनी चतुराई का प्रयोग करके संकट से बच गया था'). Additionally, the discussion questions and the comparison table highlight that the painter was 'चतुर' (clever) and 'बुद्धिमान' (wise), not a coward, which aligns perfectly with 'धैर्य और चतुराई' (patience and cleverness).