The adage “this too shall pass” is a popular phrase often invoked to offer comfort during adversity or to temper exuberance during times of prosperity. Its essence speaks to the ephemeral nature of all earthly circumstances, whether joyful or sorrowful. While widely attributed to various sources, from Persian Sufi poets to Abraham Lincoln, many inquire about its direct biblical origins. A scholarly examination reveals that while the exact phrasing does not appear verbatim in scripture, its underlying theological and philosophical sentiments are deeply embedded within the biblical narrative, particularly concerning human transience, divine sovereignty, and enduring hope.

The Proverb’s Journey: From Anecdote to Axiom

The earliest traceable narrative encapsulating the wisdom of “this too shall pass” often involves a king who seeks a phrase to bring joy in sorrow and sorrow in joy. The resulting maxim, commonly rendered as “This too shall pass,” serves as a potent reminder of impermanence. While folk etymologies often link it to King Solomon, no direct passage in the canonical books attributes these specific words to him. Nonetheless, the wisdom literature, particularly the Book of Ecclesiastes, reverberates with the profound understanding of life’s fleeting nature, a core tenet that the proverb articulates so succinctly. The Preacher’s refrain, “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2), underscores a similar sentiment regarding the ultimate futility of worldly pursuits and circumstances in the absence of eternal perspective. Read more about the wisdom of Ecclesiastes.

Biblical Echoes: Transience, Endurance, and Divine Purpose

Even without a direct quotation, the spirit of “this too shall pass” is a pervasive theme throughout the Bible, offering both a sober realism about present struggles and a transcendent hope in God’s eternal plan.

  • The Transience of Suffering: Scripture frequently acknowledges the reality and often the brevity of human suffering. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” This passage powerfully encapsulates the idea that present difficulties, however severe, are temporary when viewed against the backdrop of eternity. The “light momentary affliction” is precisely what the proverb addresses.

  • The Fleeting Nature of Earthly Joy and Wealth: Conversely, the Bible also cautions against placing ultimate trust or finding ultimate satisfaction in transient earthly joys or material possessions. Jesus’ parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21) vividly illustrates the peril of accumulating wealth without acknowledging its impermanence and the impending call of eternity. The proverb serves as a corrective, urging moderation in celebration, for even prosperity is subject to change. James 4:14 asks, “What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” This perspective prevents hubris and fosters a dependency on God rather than mutable circumstances.

  • Divine Sovereignty and Hope: The ultimate comfort derived from the sentiment “this too shall pass” in a biblical context stems from a belief in God’s sovereign control over all events. While circumstances change, God’s character and promises remain steadfast. Psalm 30:5 states, “For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” This verse, while not using the exact phrase, perfectly conveys the transient nature of sorrow and the certainty of future joy, rooted in divine faithfulness. This eschatological hope is central to Christian endurance. Read more about God’s sovereignty.

Conclusion

The proverb “this too shall pass,” while extra-biblical in its exact formulation, articulates a profound truth that resonates deeply with the Christian worldview. It is a succinct theological statement on the impermanence of all temporal things—both hardship and prosperity—and implicitly points towards the eternal and unchanging nature of God and His promises. For the believer, this axiom serves not only as a comforting reminder during trials but also as a call to humility and gratitude during times of blessing, continually directing our gaze beyond the mutable present to the steadfast hope found in Christ.