A story from King Solomon
There is a story, told in various traditions, about a king who could not banish his sorrow. No matter what he tried — the remedies prepared by his doctors, the advice offered by his wise counselors — he continued to be unhappy, becoming more despondent every day that passed.
In desperation, messengers were sent out across the land, promising a reward to anyone who could help the king. The greatest experts came to the palace and tried their best, but to no avail.
A few days later, an old man dressed in work clothes arrived at the palace gate. “I am a farmer,” he said, “and a student of nature. I have come to help the king.”
“The king doesn’t need help from the likes of you!” the king’s chief counselor said dismissively.
“I shall wait, then, until he is prepared to see me.”
With each passing day, the king’s condition worsened. He felt sad and helpless, and he saw no end to his suffering. Finally, when virtually all hope was lost, the counselor let the old man in. Without uttering a word, the man approached the king, handed him a simple wooden ring, and left. The king looked at the ring, read the inscription that was etched on it, and slipped it on his finger. For the first time in months, he smiled.
“What does it say, Your Majesty?” asked the king’s counselor.
“Just four words,” said the king. “This, too, shall pass.”
From Temple Anshe Amunim