Why Meek Does Not Equal Weak

I think it's safe to say that nobody in this world wants to be seen as weak. Weakness is not esteemed as a positive quality in any situation, and oftentimes even greater, more desirable qualities are mischaracterized as weakness. One of these misunderstood qualities is definitely meekness. What do you think of when you hear this word? Most likely synonyms such as submissive, doormat, or coward come to mind. Yet Jesus tells us, "The meek shall inherit the earth," so what exactly does that mean? How can we embody this quality in our day-to-day lives?

Something that I've always loved and found very helpful when interpreting scripture is to look up the meaning of the word in question as it would have been used at the time it was written. The word "meek" is derived from the Greek word, "praus," which was used to describe the wild animals that had been tamed, or else applied to the harnessing of incredibly powerful inanimate qualities such as wind, water, or sickness. It can also be translated as gentle or humble. In the Septuagint, which is an ancient Greek translation of the Jewish scriptures, it is first used in reference to the poor or the afflicted, and resulted in an inner attitude of patience and humility in the face of suffering.

Based on these historical meanings, it is clear the word "meek" does not refer to an outer attitude of weakness. Instead, it refers to a powerful inner attitude. When Jesus says that the meek shall inherit the earth, what He is really referring to are those people who can harness their emotions and behaviors for the greater good of the Kingdom. There were many characters in the bible who displayed the quality of meekness, and rather than appear as the weaker person they were often seen as greater, reacting without impatience or anger and allowing themselves to be led by the Spirit; characteristics we should strive to embody in our own lives. Think of Moses, one of the greatest figures in our faith, a deliverer and leader, of whom it was said, "Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all men that were upon the face of the earth." (Numbers 12:3) Nobody would dare argue that Moses was weak.

Looked at in this light, it is easy to see how meekness is actually one of the more heroic qualities, for it takes more power and strength of character to master our emotions than to respond with explosiveness. And this is what Jesus calls us to do, except in certain situations of great injustice. Think back to a situation where you observed a person (or perhaps it was you, yourself) being chastised for appearing "weak" of character. It's hardly ever what I would call a situation of great injustice; rather, it's often a time where someone doesn't want to lose face, get "walked all over," or appear to be some kind of not-so-nice-word. At the least it turns into a sarcasm laced conversation and someone ends up being insulted; at the worst it escalates into a full blown argument or fight and relationships are sometimes irreparably damaged.

So the next time you feel yourself being provoked or irritated and wanting to lash out in anger or frustration, pause for a moment and ask the Holy Spirit for patience. Offer up the tiny injustice, jab, insult, or misunderstanding in solidarity with the suffering of Jesus. Ask yourself, is this truly a serious injustice that needs my attention, or is it merely my pride that has been wounded? The Scriptures affirm, "He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that rules his spirit, than he who takes a city." (Proverbs 16:32) If the situation really calls for someone to speak up, wait to do so until you can respond with calmness and thoughtfulness. Don't worry about appearing weak to those around you. What matters more is developing a mature and peaceful spirit, and the Lord will reward you for your efforts.

Meekness is not weakness. Meekness is power under control. // Steve Allgeyer, Life Teen