“King Solomon once searched for a cure against depression. He assembled his wise men together. They meditated for a long time and gave him the following advice: Make yourself a ring and have thereon engraved the words ‘This too will pass.’
The King carried out the advice. He had the ring made and wore it constantly. Every time he felt sad and depressed, he looked at the ring, whereon his mood would change and he would feel cheerful”

— Israel Folklore Archive #126

This version of the story is closest to the one I was taught, I find it comforting during hard times, reminding me that they are only temporary.

However, the story has several variants, in both Jewish and Persian folklore, and they are unanimous on the fact that the sentence works both ways, having the power to remove a smile from a happy man’s face.