“Wisdom is a treasure; the key whereof is never lost.”  ~ Edward Counsel

The Bible tells us there was no wiser man than King Solomon, and most days we wish we had a tenth of his gifts. As happens with persons of Solomon’s status, legends pop up that are outside scriptural texts. Possibly one of my favorite Solomon tall tales is about a miraculous ring. Solomon called his most trusted advisor and requested he find a certain ring for his king. Before asking any questions, the advisor agreed to find whatever ring Solomon wished for. The advisor then asked why this ring was so special. The king responded, “The ring has the power to make a happy man sad and a sad man happy just by looking at it.”

Solomon knew that no ring held that power, but the advisor was a haughty man, and the king wanted to give him an object lesson in humility. A timetable of six months was set for the quest, and Solomon sent the advisor on his way.

The advisor combed through the finest markets Israel had in search of the ring but turned up nothing. The day before the advisor’s time limit was up, he dejectedly went through Jerusalem’s poorest markets. He asked a grizzled old jewelry merchant if he had ever heard of a ring with the power Solomon described. The aged huckster picked up a plain gold band and engraved something on it before handing it to the king’s advisor. The advisor broke out into a grin when he read the inscription and rushed to the palace.

Solomon, seeing the advisor, chuckled asking, if the ring had been found. Without saying a word, the advisor handed the ring to Solomon. The king looked down at the elder merchant’s engraving, which said, “this too shall pass.” Solomon grew instantly morose. Wisdom, riches, wives, and all the kingly powers he possessed meant nothing, for Solomon would one day pass from this earthly plane just like anyone else.

Consider this …

1. On what circumstances or things do you tend to commonly dwell, to the point of obsession?

2. In the grand scheme of things, how important are these circumstances or things?

3. Where might you best affix your focus so that the circumstances or things you focus on have a lasting impact?

For more, check out The Top Performer’s Field Guide, The Innovator’s Field Guide, or visit www.JeffStandridge.com.

(Originally published in The Top Performer’s Field Guide.)