What is…
meekness

also known as: gentleness

Definition

The biblical virtue of meekness is not cowardice or a failing of any kind; it is strength and power that is held in check.

It is a wise, self-controlled calm mind displaying gentleness, that is not easily provoked. It is closely linked to (and dependent on) wisdom, humility, love and mercy.

“Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.” —James 3:13 NASB

Promises to the meek

Special promises are made to those who maintain this virtuous spirit.

“Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.” —Matthew 5:5

[Who does God respect?] “…him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.” —Isaiah 66:2 NASB

Required of true followers of Christ

Scripture requires that the Godly cultivate this spirit in their lives.

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. —Colossians 3:12-13 NASB

…pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. —1 Timothy 6:11 NASB

“Seek the Lord,
All you humble of the earth
Who have carried out His ordinances;
Seek righteousness, seek humility…” —Zephaniah 2:3 NASB excerpt

Jesus Christ, God in bodily form, said,

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” —Matthew 11:29 NASB

• How and why did Christ greatly humble himself for our sake? Answer

Heros of the Bible

• Abram / Abraham

  Now Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents. And the land could not sustain them while dwelling together, for their possessions were so great that they were not able to remain together. And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock.

  …So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no strife between you and me, nor between my herdsmen and your herdsmen, for we are brothers. Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me; if to the left, then I will go to the right; or if to the right, then I will go to the left.” —Genesis 13:5-9 NASB excerpt

• Moses, a prince of Egypt and the leader of the Israelites

  …the man Moses was very humble, more than any man who was on the face of the earth…” —Numbers 12:3 NASB

• King David upon being publicly cursed and pelted with stones by an angry man

  “When King David came to Bahurim, behold, there came out from there a man of the family of the house of Saul whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera; he came out ccursing continually as he came.

  He threw stones at David and at all the servants of King David…

  Thus Shimei said when he cursed, “Get out, get out, you man of bloodshed, and worthless fellow!”… [etc.]

  Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over now and cut off his head.”

  But the king said, “What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses, and if the Lord has told him, ‘Curse David,’ then who shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’”

  Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my son who came out from me seeks my life; how much more now this Benjamite? Let him alone and let him curse, for the Lord has told him.

  Perhaps the Lord will look on my affliction and return good to me instead of his cursing this day.” —2 Samuel 16:10-12 NASB excerpt

• Apostle Paul

  “For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more.” —1 Corinthians 9:19 NASB

More information

• What is HUMILITY—and why is it so important? Answer
• What is MERCY? Answer
• What is GRACE? Answer
• What is GOODNESS? Answer
• For a follower of Christ, what is LOVE—a feeling, an emotion, or an action? Answer
• What is WISDOM? Answer
• Having a gentle spirit does not suggest that the Godly should never be angry. God hates sin and is greatly angered by injustice, and so should be His followers. See: ANGER and JUSTICE OF GOD
• THE FEAR OF THE LORD— What is it? Why is it important and linked to wisdom, humility and gentleness (meekness)? Answer