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Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth
(Matthew 5:5)
Meekness is not an easy word to define for it encompasses so many things.
Unfortunately many people imagine it to be a weakness. It has been
confused with being wishy-washy, as being indecisive and timid. A person
who is so unsure of himself that he could be pushed over by a hard slap by a
wet noodle.
But all these is exactly what meekness is not. Meekness is a controlled
desire to see the others interests advance ahead of ones own. Of putting
others first instead of us.
According to Numbers 12:3, Moses was the meekest man who ever lived
and his meekness is demonstrated by the fact that he would rather have God
destroyed him that for Him to destroy his people on account of their sins.
The Greek word from which we translate the word meek from is the word
praus. The meaning of the word however is so great and comprehensive
that it defies translation.
Meekness first and foremost means the mastery of self as well as the
mastery of ones anger and passion. Proverbs 16:32 describes this well, He
that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that rule his spirit
better than he who conquer a city. Paul said in Ephesians 4:26, Be angry
and sin not.
It may be used to describe an animal which has been tamed and
domesticated and which has become subject to control. For example, that of
a horse which has been broken in and which has become obedient to the
rider.
The man who is meek feels anger on the right grounds, against the right
persons, in the right manner, at the right moment, and for the right length of
time.
When anger is for our own sake, it is always wrong. When anger is for the
sake of others, it is often right. When we look at Jesus, we never see him
angry at the insults and bad treatment he often received.
Simon Siew
Southeast Asia Union Mission

But we see his eyes glint with anger when he chased the money-changers
away from the Temple Court for their exploitation of those poor pilgrims
who have come to worship.
The meek man also has the ability to bear reproaches and slights with
moderation and does not embark on revenge quickly. He is not easily
provoked to anger but is free from bitterness and contentiousness, having
tranquility and stability in the spirit.
The meek man sees himself and all others as under God. Since he is also
poor in spirit, he does not think more highly of himself than he ought to.
Therefore he is able to relate well to others. At the personal level, we are
often too concerned with justifying ourselves rather than edifying our
brother.
Individually each man tends to assume without thinking, that he is the center
of the universe; therefore he relates poorly to the 6 billion others who
unfortunately are also labouring under the same delusion.
Human nature is ever struggling for expression, ready for contest; but he
who learns of Christ is emptied of self, or pride, of love of supremacy
there is silence in the soul. Self is yielded to the disposal of the Holy Spirit.
Then we are not anxious to have the highest place. We have no ambition to
crowd and elbow ourselves into notice; but we feel that our highest place is
at the feet of our Saviour. Mount of Blessings page 15
It was through the desire for self-exaltation that sin entered into the world
and our first parents lost the dominion over this fair earth, their kingdom. It
is through self-abnegation that Christ redeems what was lost. Through
humility and self-surrender, we may become heirs with Him when the meek
shall inherit the earth. Mount of Blessings page 16.
It is the love of self that destroys our peace. While self is all alive, we stand
ready continually to guard it from mortification and insult; but when we are
dead, and our life is hid with Christ in God, we shall not take neglects or
slights to heart. We shall be deaf to reproach and blind to scorn and insult.
Mount of Blessings page 16.
Simon Siew
Southeast Asia Union Mission

There are 2 very important facts about the Greek understanding of this great
virtue of praotes (meekness).
a.
It is the virtue of the man who acts with gentleness, when he has in his
power to act with stern severity. It is used of a king who might have
exercised vengeance on a rebellious people who has been defeated but
who instead treated them with kindliness. Though having the upper
hand, he does not use it.
b.

In Greek thought, the virtue of praotes is again and again associated

with strength. Praotes is not the gentleness which has its sources in
weakness, indifference, or in fear but it is the gentleness of strength.

For this matter, meekness is often mentioned in the Bible as a cardinal

Christian virtue. 1 Peter 3:4 says that a meek (gentle) spirit is in the sight
of God of great value. 1 Timothy 6:11 asks us to aim at meekness and
Galatians 5:23 describes meekness as one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
He who is meek is a man who gives to God the perfect trust, obedience and
submission, who like Jesus said, not as I will but as thou will Matthew
26:39.
Yet it is Jesus himself who can ever say with integrity, Come to me, all you
who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon
you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble in heart and you find rest
for your souls Matthew 11:28.
It is certain that the meek do not now inherit the earth but the proud and selfassertive but nevertheless in due time, the kingdoms of this world will be
given to the saints, to those who have learned the grace of humility and
meekness. Says Christ, those who humbled themselves will be exalted.
Matthew 23:12.

Simon Siew
Southeast Asia Union Mission