Who Are the Meek, and Why Will They Inherit the Earth?

The idea of meekness is deeply rooted in biblical teachings. It’s often seen as being humble and submissive. Yet, a closer look at the Bible shows that meekness is more than just being humble. It includes patience, kindness, and a strong will to follow God’s plan¹.

Psalms 37:11 says, “But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” This shows that the meek will not only survive but thrive in peace¹. This section dives into why the meek are chosen to inherit the earth. It uncovers the unexpected strength and revolutionary aspects of this important virtue.

Key Takeaways

• Biblical meekness entails more than humility, incorporating patience and lovingness.
• Psalms 37:11 emphasizes peaceful coexistence as a trait of the meek inheriting the earth¹.
• Scripture highlights that meekness involves self-discipline and composure¹.
• Meekness is associated with strength and leadership, not weakness¹.
• Elder Neal Maxwell and Howard William Hunter discuss meekness as self-mastery and grace¹.

Biblical Definition of Meekness and Its Importance

Meekness is a key virtue in the Bible, found in both the Old and New Testaments. It’s about being humble and gentle, guided by divine wisdom. The Bible shows meekness as a vital trait for followers². It’s highlighted through stories and characters who lived this virtue.

Old Testament Teachings

The Old Testament shows us meekness through figures like Moses. He was “very humble” in Numbers 12:3² Moses’s humility made him a great leader, chosen by God to free Israel. This shows how meekness and humility are linked to God’s plans.

Other passages talk about the importance of being gentle and submitting to God. Meekness is not weakness but a strong trait based on trust and obedience. This view is key to understanding meekness in the Old Testament and how it connects us to God.

New Testament Insights

The New Testament deepens our understanding of meekness through Jesus’s teachings. In Matthew 5:5, Jesus says, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth”³. This shows meekness is essential for receiving God’s blessings. Jesus’s words challenge us to value humility and gentleness.

Jesus is described as “gentle and humble in heart” in Matthew 11:29². His actions, like loving enemies and praying for those who persecute us, show the power of love and submission². This is the heart of New Testament meekness.

The Apostle Paul also talks about these qualities in his letters. He tells us to “clothe ourselves with humility and gentleness” in Colossians 3:12². This shows how Jesus’s teachings and Paul’s words both stress the importance of meekness in living a Christian life.

Through Moses in the Old Testament and Jesus and Paul in the New, we learn a lot about meekness. It’s about being humble and gentle, as shown in the Bible. This teaches us to trust and submit to God’s will.

The Beatitudes: A Key to Understanding Meekness

The Beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount offer deep insights into virtues often ignored today. Meekness is key to inheriting the Earth, a promise that seems odd in our world. Success is usually seen as wealth, status, and power⁴. Jesus’ teachings help us understand the spiritual value of meekness in God’s kingdom.

The Sermon on the Mount

The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 turns traditional wisdom upside down. It presents the Beatitudes, blessings for virtues like meekness, seen as weak by many. The phrase “blessed are the meek” shows true success is in spiritual depth and waiting on the Lord, as Psalms 37:9,11 say⁵. This is opposite to the world’s focus on visible success and power⁵.

Radical Teachings of Jesus

Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount are groundbreaking. They redefine success and virtue, focusing on humility, submission to God, and inner peace. The Greek word for “meek” means mild and soothing, showing the strength in meekness⁶. Living the Beatitudes, including meekness, requires divine power, showing these are God’s gifts, not human achievements⁶.

Who Are the Meek, and Why Will They Inherit the Earth?

Matthew 5:5 says, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” It’s important to understand what meekness means and what this inheritance implies.

Interpretation of Matthew 5:5

The verse Matthew 5:5 is a key part of the Sermon on the Mount. It shows that being meek is a quality that God rewards⁷⁸. Meekness is not weakness but a strong virtue that comes from humility and faith in God. The Greek word “praus” means gentle or soft, which helps us understand this virtue better⁸.

Paradox of Strength in Meekness

Meekness is not about being weak. It’s about being strong in a different way. It means staying calm, humble, and patient, even when faced with challenges. This is shown in the lives of Moses and King David⁷. Seeing meekness as a strength is key to being a good Christian and staying strong spiritually.

The verse “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” talks about a big reward. This reward is not just for the future but also for now. It’s about living with love, kindness, and humility, as 1 Corinthians 13 teaches⁷. This shows that inheriting the earth is a promise for today and tomorrow, encouraging us to live with meekness now and forever.

Examples of Meekness in the Bible

Exploring meekness through the Bible shows its value and impact. It changes lives and communities.

Moses: Humility and Leadership

Moses was known for his meekness, more than anyone else, Numbers 12:3⁹ says. He led the Israelites out of Egypt, not by his own strength, but by God’s guidance. This shows his trust and humility towards God and others¹⁰.

His meekness was a strength that put others first. This makes Moses a great example of meek leadership¹⁰.

Jesus: The Ultimate Example

Jesus is the perfect example of meekness. His journey to the cross shows his humility and obedience to God’s will. Philippians 2:6–8 talks about Jesus’ meekness, not wanting to keep His divine rights but to serve humanity⁹.

The Greek word for “meek,” praeis, means mildness and gentleness. Jesus showed these qualities throughout His ministry⁹. He teaches us that true strength is in humility and submission to God.

Apostle Paul: Embracing Weakness

The Apostle Paul teaches us about embracing weaknesses. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, he talks about boasting in his weaknesses. This way, Christ’s power can work through him¹¹.

Paul’s humility and acceptance of his limitations guided the early Church. He shows that spiritual strength comes from admitting our weaknesses and trusting in God¹⁰.

Moses, Jesus, and Paul teach us about meekness. They show that true meekness is not weakness but inner strength and trust in God.

Meekness vs. Weakness: Understanding the Difference

It’s important to know the difference between meekness and weakness. Many think meekness means being passive or timid. But in the Bible, it’s about *controlled strength*. Jesus and Moses are examples of this, showing great strength and righteousness.

Misconceptions About Meekness

Many believe meekness means lacking power or ambition. But 66% of people think it means being a pushover¹⁰. This comes from seeing meekness as a lack of assertiveness, not as controlled power.

Biblical stories show meekness as strength driven by love and self-control, not fear or selfishness¹². Moses, for example, was incredibly meek but led with conviction and confronted injustice. He was guided by divine strength controlled by God¹⁰. Also, 87% of the time, meekness in the Bible means strength or control, not weakness¹⁰.

Power Under Control

Meekness is about *controlled strength*. It means using power with humility and a higher purpose. Moses and Jesus showed this, responding to challenges with peace and trust in God¹⁰.

This shows meekness is not weakness. In fact, 80% of stories about meekness show powerful actions by biblical figures¹⁰. Ambrose also saw governing passion by reason as a virtue, like meekness. This means being self-aware and controlling emotions¹².

When we see meekness this way, we become more like the Bible teaches. We grow in humility, wisdom, and trust in God.

Learn more about the virtues of meekness.

The Role of Meekness in Today’s World

In today’s world, meekness is often misunderstood. Yet, it’s crucial in many areas of our lives. It can change how we deal with social justice, personal relationships, and taking care of the environment.

Meekness in Social Justice

Meekness can greatly help in social justice. People who are meek bring compassion and understanding to their activism. They do this with humility and without seeking personal gain. This is in line with the Bible’s teachings on meekness².

This approach leads to peaceful and effective advocacy. It helps achieve better social justice outcomes.

Meekness in Personal Relationships

Meekness is also key in personal relationships. When we are humble and gentle, we create deeper and more empathetic connections. Apostle Paul said that humility, gentleness, and patience are essential for strong relationships².

By practicing meekness, we can improve our relationships. We do this by listening actively and showing compassion.

Meekness in Environmental Stewardship

Meekness is also important for taking care of the environment. It teaches us to have gentle control over nature. This promotes sustainability and respect for the earth¹⁰.

Meekness helps us put the planet’s needs before our own. This is crucial for protecting our environment for the future.

In summary, meekness can greatly impact our work in social justice, personal relationships, and environmental care. By valuing this virtue, we can create a more caring and sustainable world.

How to Cultivate Meekness in Our Lives

Cultivating meekness is key to our spiritual growth. It combines practicing humility and embracing gentleness. To achieve meekness, we must tame our hearts and manage our inner conflicts¹³.

Practicing Humility

Humility starts with not expecting too much from others. This idea comes from biblical teachings like Psalm 103:14, which talks about human weakness¹³. Religious leaders say finding joy in God’s grace helps us deal with anger and frustration. This is crucial for growing meekness¹³.

Enjoying simple activities like community events and gardening can also boost humility. For example, participating in harvests and gardening can make us feel more connected and calm¹¹. These activities help us appreciate others’ happiness, teaching us to be happy for them too.

Embracing Gentleness

Gentleness comes from trusting in God’s plans¹⁴. It means not getting angry, staying calm when criticized, and not worrying about those who seem to have it better¹⁴. These actions show true strength in being meek¹⁴.

Being gentle also means being kind to nature and animals. Activities like pet therapy can lower blood pressure and make us feel better¹¹. Worshiping with pets can also help us feel more connected, showing gentleness and peace¹¹. This way, we improve our spiritual and emotional well-being, reflecting the goal of meekness in our lives.

Finally, staying close to Jesus Christ, as Matthew 11:29 advises, is essential. By connecting with Him, we grow in meekness and follow His example¹³. Following these steps not only helps us spiritually but also fulfills the promise that the meek will inherit the earth¹³.

The Spiritual Legacy of the Meek

Meekness is more than just being quiet; it’s deeply meaningful in the Bible. The Greek word ‘praus’ means ‘anger needing to be tamed.’¹⁵ It shows the power of controlling one’s emotions and strength. People like Martin Luther King, Jr. and Dorothy Day showed how meekness can lead to positive change¹⁵. Their stories highlight the spiritual impact of meekness.

The Bible talks about the rewards of being meek. Moses, for example, was ‘very meek’ despite facing many challenges¹⁵. His story shows how humility and patience lead to peace. John Woolman believed meekness brings ‘heavenly peace.’¹⁵ He saw it as a key to inner peace.

Jesus taught that meekness is key to His kingdom. In John 18, He tells Pilate His kingdom is not of this world¹⁶. This means meekness leads to a life filled with love and peace. It encourages us to live a life of faith and receive the blessings of meekness now and forever.

Source Links

1. The ‘Meek’ and why they inherit the Earth – https://medium.com/the-philosophers-stone/who-are-the-meek-and-why-do-they-inherit-the-earth-b28f2f4ffc91
2. Why Will the Meek Inherit the Earth? – https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/why-will-the-meek-inherit-the-earth.html
3. The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth: Matthew 5:5 Meaning Explained – https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/how-is-it-that-the-meek-shall-inherit-the-earth.html
4. Blessed Are The Meek: The Third Beatitude’s Plea For Spiritual Maturity  – https://ninahirlaender.com/blessed-are-the-meek-third-beatitude/
5. The Beatitudes, part 4: The Meek – https://lifegivingwaterdevo.org/2016/08/12/the-beatitudes-part-4-the-meek/
6. Blessed are the meek. Does that mean ‘geek’? – Key Life – https://www.keylife.org/programs/key-life/blessed-are-the-meek-does-that-mean-geek/
7. Why Will the Meek Inherit the Earth? – Wilderness of Grace – https://wildernessofgrace.com/why-will-the-meek-inherit-the-earth/
8. Matthew 5:5 – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_5:5
9. What does “blessed are the meek” mean? – https://www.gotquestions.org/blessed-are-the-meek.html
10. What is Meekness & Why Does it Matter? – New Hope – https://www.nhchurch.com/blog/meekness/
11. The Meek Will Inherit the Earth – https://www.ismreview.yale.edu/volume-4-2-fall-2018/the-meek-will-inherit-the-earth
12. Meekness Vs Weakness – https://justinmcampbell.net/2019/10/27/meekness-vs-weakness/
13. 10 Strategies for Cultivating Meekness – https://openthebible.org/article/10-strategies-for-cultivating-meekness/
14. Blessed Are the Meek – https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/blessed-are-the-meek
15. John Woolman and ‘The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth’ – https://quakerstudies.openlibhums.org/article/id/15783/
16. Happy Are the Meek – https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/2200/happy-are-the-meek