Though linked with gentleness, meekness is not simply a person’s outward behavior towards his
fellow-man. It is rather "an inwrought grace of the soul, and the exercises of it are first and
chiefly towards God" (Trench). Whatever the circumstances may be, all is accepted as from Him
without questioning or resisting in any way His hand. The heart is at rest in Him, entirely
submissive to Him. Even the insults and injuries of evil men, or of brethren, are received as
disciplinary measures of God for the purifying of the soul and the cultivating of this Christian
grace. Meekness is the opposite of self-interest and self-assertiveness. As another puts it:"It is
equanimity of spirit that is neither elated nor cast down, simply because it is not occupied with self
at all" (Vine).

Now meekness is not weakness, though at times it may appear to be so. Rather is it the fruit of
power, and that the power of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:23). The Lord Jesus could not be charged
with weakness of character, yet He is the perfect Example of meekness. He could say as none
other, "I am meek and lowly in heart" (Matt. 11:29), when He sets Himself forth as the Rest for
the weary and as the Teacher of the soul. Also, it is as King that He rides into Jerusalem, "meek,
and sitting upon an ass" (Matt. 21:5). The apostle Paul links this meekness of Christ with might
and power in 2 Corinthians 10. It was by this "meekness and gentleness of Christ" (v. 1) that he
besought the saints, yet bearing at the same time a testimony to them that was "weighty and
powerful" (v. 10).

The proper Christian adornment, according to Peter, is a "meek and quiet spirit." It springs from
the hidden man of the heart, is incorruptible and in the sight of God of great price (1 Peter 3:4).
It is contrasted with what is merely external and corruptible, and is linked with a trust in God
which adorned women of old time who were subject to their husbands. Likewise, the apostle Paul
includes "meekness" in the list of graces that become the elect of God in Colossians 3:12, and
these he exhorts them to put on.

The place which meekness should have in our lives is clearly outlined in various Scriptures. We
shall briefly mention a few references for meditation.

The "spirit of meekness" is to characterize the one who seeks to restore the erring brother (Gal.
6:1).

The "man of God" is to "follow after . . . meekness" (1 Tim. 6:11); he is to show "all meekness
to all men" (Titus 3:2); he is to exhibit the same when seeking to instruct those who oppose (2
Tim. 2:25).

In endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, it should be with "meekness"
(Eph. 4:2). As to the reception of the Word of God, it should likewise be with "meekness" (James
1:21). Then, too, when giving an answer to those who ask us of the reason of our hope,
"meekness" is enjoined upon us (1 Peter 3:15).

The blessings promised to the meek are surely an incentive to the believer. The Psalmist promises,

"The meek will He guide in judgment; and the meek will He teach His way" (25:9), and declares
with certainty, "The meek shall eat and be satisfied" (22:26).

Oh, to have the mind of Christ in all our attitudes and ways! May the Lord lead us on to follow
Him in a walk in the Spirit, that we may know more the blessedness of meekness, for His Name’s
sake.