What is meekness?
Meekness, or prautes, means "power under control." While English connotations often equate meekness with weakness, in the Greek it describes a fruit of power. It is exemplified by a war horse that possesses phenomenal inherent power but is trained to obey instantly and absolutely.
As an inwrought grace of the soul, meekness is first and chiefly exercised toward God. It is the temper of spirit in which a believer accepts God's dealings as good without disputing or resisting. This grace is closely linked to and follows humility (Eph. 4:2; Col. 3:12).
Described negatively, meekness is the opposite of self-interest and self-assertiveness. It is an equanimity of spirit that is neither elated nor cast down because it is not occupied with self.
Also asked, more loosely
Source: The Basics The Basics -- Subject Index entry 'Meekness' (printed pp. 86, 89) · Read this lesson in the book →
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Related questions
- What does the Bible teach about the soul, including its strengths and weaknesses, and how it relates to spiritual warfare and the filling of the Holy Spirit?Eph. 4:2 · The Basics
- What does the Bible teach about our inherent power to overcome temptations?Eph. 4:2 · The Basics · Lesson 4–3: Testing—Temptation
- What is the nature of humility, and how does it relate to our relationship with God?Eph. 4:2 · The Basics
- What is the biblical definition of meekness?Eph. 4:2 · The Basics · Lesson 2–3: The Commission—Evangelism
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