Life is full of highs and lows, and understanding the meaning of “this too shall pass” can provide comfort in challenging times.
This timeless phrase reminds us of life’s impermanence and the transient nature of life, encouraging us to embrace personal growth and transformation even when circumstances feel overwhelming.
Rooted in ancient proverbs and wisdom from cultures like Hebrew and Persian traditions, it has guided countless people through hardships and suffering.
By reflecting on these words, we learn to cultivate emotional resilience, navigate life transitions, and approach difficulties with patience.
Truly, This Too Shall Pass is a phrase of hope, grounding us in every moment.
Historical Origins of “This Too Shall Pass”
Cultural Roots Across Hebrew, Persian, and Jewish Traditions
The origin of this too shall pass dates back to ancient times and is deeply rooted in Jewish traditions and sayings.
King Solomon, known for his wisdom, sought a phrase that would bring both joy and humility.
The Hebrew phrase Gam Ze Ya’avor was engraved on a ring, becoming a symbol of impermanence and insight.
The King Solomon wisdom story shows how this proverb served as guidance for emotional reflection centuries ago.
Similarly, Persian folklore meaning tells of a poor scholar and a wealthy farmer whose fortunes changed repeatedly, yet the phrase “This Too Shall Pass” remained constant.
Sufi poets Rumi and Attar often referenced this wisdom in their writings, showing that ancient civilizations relied on ancient proverbs and wisdom to teach acceptance and the transient nature of life.
A simple comparison table shows the main cultural variations:
| Culture | Phrase | Symbol | Key Lesson |
| Hebrew | Gam Ze Ya’avor | Gold Ring | Wisdom through impermanence |
| Persian | “This Too Shall Pass” | Gold & Ruby Ring | Humility and gratitude |
| Sufi Literature | Poetic references | Manuscripts | Acceptance of change |
Abraham Lincoln and the Popularization of the Phrase
Abraham Lincoln referenced this phrase during his 1859 speech to the Wisconsin State Agricultural Society. He highlighted how wise words can console and guide people through hardships and suffering.
Lincoln’s use of “This Too Shall Pass” emphasized that change is constant, and history demonstrates that both progress and setbacks are temporary.
This phrase became widely recognized in American culture, showing its universal relevance of ancient sayings.
By connecting folklore to real-life challenges, Lincoln turned a proverb into a lesson on leadership, patience, and resilience building, which still resonates in modern interpretations of mindfulness practice and coping with challenges.
Life Lessons We Learn From “This Too Shall Pass”
The primary lesson of “This Too Shall Pass” is to embrace acceptance and change in every stage of life.
Recognizing that nothing is permanent helps us maintain balance during emotional rollercoasters and moments of intense joy.
This awareness strengthens emotional resilience and encourages healing through adversity.
It also teaches mindfulness, as staying present during hardship becomes easier when we trust that situations will evolve.
Practicing how to embrace this too shall pass can improve relationships, career stability, and mental well-being.
People often use it as a mental health support phrase or a guide for mindful reflection techniques, building the confidence to navigate life’s inevitable challenges.
| Step | Example | How to Apply “This Too Shall Pass” | Benefit |
| Thought | “I failed at my project.” | Pause and remind yourself This Too Shall Pass. Reflect that this setback is temporary. | Reduces panic, promotes mindful reflection techniques. |
| Emotion | Anxiety, disappointment, or frustration | Observe your emotions without judgment. Accept that feelings are transient. | Builds emotional resilience and coping mechanisms. |
| Action | Decide your next steps | Take small constructive steps to improve or recover. Use journaling or practical exercises to track progress. | Encourages personal growth and transformation, enhances problem-solving. |
| Reflection | End of day review | Ask yourself: “Did I embrace change? Did I practice acceptance?” | Strengthens resilience building and reinforces personal mantra. |
Navigating Change: From a Closed Mind to a Quiet Mind
Change can be unsettling, but practicing acceptance and letting go of rigid expectations creates a quiet mind.
Closed minds resist uncertainty, which amplifies stress and anxiety, while openness encourages personal growth and transformation.
This mindset shift is crucial during life transitions and periods of deep self-reflection.
A quiet mind fosters better decision-making, emotional regulation, and coping mechanisms. By trusting the process and integrating thought reframing, individuals learn to handle setbacks with calmness.
Over time, navigating hardships and suffering with a balanced mind leads to stronger resilience building, helping people move forward in life with clarity and confidence.
Applying the Message in Challenging Life Stages
Life stages such as midlife, career changes, or loss require the principles of “This Too Shall Pass” more than ever.
Embracing this phrase allows people to approach grief and loss, career setbacks, and the messy middle stage with patience.
It is a tool for emotional grounding, helping people shift from panic or despair to mindful action.
In modern America, challenges like financial stress, family dynamics, and societal pressures demand authentic emotional support.
Individuals can apply the phrase to recovering from difficult experiences, midlife mastery, and moving through transitions.
Trusting in temporary nature of events allows people to step into new beginnings and embrace the lessons embedded in every hardship.
How to Practice the Wisdom of “This Too Shall Pass” Daily
Daily practice transforms mindfulness practice into lived experience.
Start by reflecting each morning on moments of struggle, journaling thought reframing exercises, or using practical exercises like stepping over symbolic thresholds to mark endings and beginnings.
Mindset habits like repeating This Too Shall Pass during stress help control emotions and reinforce emotional healing.
Many also use physical reminders, like a sterling silver bracelet meaning engraved with the phrase or other inspirational jewelry, as part of symbolic rituals for change.
Consistent reflection, mindful reflection techniques, and applying controlling attitude and effort in daily life foster resilience.
Over time, the practice encourages self-compassion, emotional regulation, and clarity in navigating life changes.
Conclusion
“This Too Shall Pass” is more than a saying; it is a philosophy of acceptance and change, guiding people through life’s highs and lows.
From King Solomon wisdom story to Abraham Lincoln’s speeches, it has influenced cultures and shaped modern interpretations of mindfulness practice and resilience.
By practicing this wisdom daily, embracing personal growth and transformation, and using it as a phrase of hope and consolation, anyone can navigate grief and loss, career challenges, and life transitions.
Remember, hardships and triumphs alike are temporary trust the process, honor your experiences, and step forward with strength, knowing this too shall pass.
FAQs
What Bible verse says this too shall pass?
The exact phrase “This too shall pass” is not in the Bible, but 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 reflects a similar idea about temporary troubles and eternal perspective.
What does “this too shall pass” mean in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18?
It means that current hardships are temporary and the eternal rewards or spiritual growth outweigh present struggles.
Who said “This too shall pass” originally?
It is attributed to King Solomon in Hebrew tradition, though similar stories appear in Persian folklore.
Where does the Hebrew saying “this too shall pass” come from?
It comes from the Hebrew phrase Gam Ze Ya’avor, linked to King Solomon’s wisdom story.
What is the real meaning behind Joshua 24:14/15?
It emphasizes choosing to serve God faithfully and making deliberate decisions, highlighting commitment over temporary circumstances.
