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“Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth.”
Matt. 5:5 NKJV

Meekness reminds me of a sweet, little lamb. But what does ‘meek’ mean? In general, in both the Old Testament and the New Testament, it means humble, mild, gentle, and so on.

The Bible tells us the man of meekness in the Old Testament was Moses. It says that “the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.” (Num. 12:3)

In the New Testament, meekness is exemplified in Jesus. He said it of Himself, “Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (Matt. 11:29 KJV)

Meekness is an inward grace of the soul given by the Holy Spirit, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” (Gal. 5:22-23 KJV)

It is a virtue to be practiced, to be followed after, “Seek the Lord, all you meek of the earth, who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility.” (Zeph. 2:3 NKJV)

To have an attitude of meekness is to have humility toward God and gentleness toward men. Meekness is not weakness. Weakness manifests as a lack of strength or lack of courage. On the other hand, meekness is strength and courage under control, wrapped in kindness.

God’s Word tells us that meekness is …

* to be walked in, as Paul told the Ephesians, “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love.” (Eph. 4:1-2 NKJV) Gentleness=meekness.
* to be evident by a man’s “good life his works in meekness of wisdom.” (James 3:13)
* to give the reason for the hope that is in a person, “with meekness and fear.” (1 Peter 3:15)
* to be shown in our relations with one another, “tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” (Col. 3:12-13 NKJV)
* to be followed after, as Paul told Timothy, “follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” (1 Tim. 6:11 KJV)
* to be a part of our speech and character, “speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.” (Titus 3:2 NKJV) Humility=meekness.
* to be in readiness, “to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” (1 Peter 3:15 NKJV)
* to be a partner with “humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth.” (2 Tim. 2:25 NKJV) Humility=meekness.
* to be used in confronting those who have sinned, “if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” (Gal. 6:1-2 NKJV) Gentleness=meekness.

James wrote, “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.” (James 3:13-14 NKJV)

Meekness is a grace, a beauty, that must come from within and permeate every area of our lives. Peter wrote, “Let it be the inward adorning and beauty of the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible and unfading charm of a gentle and peaceful spirit, which [is not anxious or wrought up, but] is very precious in the sight of God.” (1 Peter 3:4 Amp)

Meekness, being precious in God’s eyes, has a promise...it inherits the earth.

Would anyone say you are a meek and gentle spirit?