Lord, Make Us Meek

We often think of meekness as shyness, and there is some truth to that. Shyness involves a degree of reservedness, and so does meekness. However, when we speak of shyness, we are referring to someone who is timid in the company of others. Their reservedness often—though not always—comes from a form of weakness.

They are afraid of saying something foolish, so they stay quiet. They are concerned that drawing attention to themselves will also highlight their flaws, so they keep to themselves or remain in the background. This kind of shyness is tied to insecurity. It is the opposite of being at ease with oneself around others, and it is not a good quality. In fact, it can even be a sinful characteristic.

That’s not meekness. There is nothing weak about meekness.

Sometimes we confuse reservedness with shyness, which is also a mistake. Some people are simply less talkative. They are quieter—not out of insecurity or sin, but because of their natural temperament. This isn’t spiritual meekness; it’s a personality trait.

Some people with a reserved personality also exhibit humility and meekness, but not all of them. Don’t mistake quietness or reservedness for humility. Many quiet people quietly and proudly judge others. You can be proud and still be very quiet.

There is both "shouting pride" and "whispering pride." The former draws attention to itself by its nature, while the latter is easy to overlook. One is more obvious than the other, but both are equally sinful. Whispering pride, however, is often more dangerous because it can be mistaken for humility or meekness and, as a result, goes uncorrected.

So, meekness is not weakness, nor is it a natural temperament.

Alright, so what is meekness?

The Greek word used in the text is difficult to translate into English, which is why you see it rendered as "gentle" in the NASB, "humble" in the Christian Standard Bible, or "meek" in the ESV. I think "meek" is the best word, but gentleness and humility are part of the concept being communicated.

Meekness is the natural consequence of humility.

That’s why it appears as the third beatitude, not the first or second.

What humbles a man more than realizing his true state before God?

What humbles a man more than mourning over his sin?

Nothing. A man who is poor in spirit and mourning his sin is humbled, depending solely on the goodness and grace of God. He understands that he is owed nothing by God. It's all grace; it's all mercy.

That’s why the second definition in the old Webster’s Dictionary defines meekness as:

Appropriately, humble, in an evangelical sense; submissive to the divine will; not proud, self-sufficient, or refractory; not peevish and apt to complain of divine dispensations.

Humble people, those who depend on God's grace, submit to His will and do not complain about the difficulties that arise in their lives.

This is a crucial aspect of meekness—it is a meekness toward God.

Thomas Watson says this implies two things:

First, "Submission to God's WILL: The meek-spirited Christian says, 'Let God do what He will with me; let Him carve out whatever condition He pleases, I will submit.' God sees what is best for me, whether fertile soil or barren. Let Him pattern His work as He pleases; it suffices that God has done it."

Second, "Flexibleness to God's WORD: when we are willing to let the Word bear sway in our souls and become pliable to all its laws and maxims. He is spiritually meek who conforms himself to the mind of God and does not quarrel with the instructions of the Word, but with the corruptions of his heart."

Now, you can see how this kind of humility produces a reservedness, but that isn’t the whole of meekness. It not only has a God-ward focus but also extends toward others.

One word study puts it this way:

"Biblical meekness is not weakness, but rather refers to exercising God's strength under His control—i.e., demonstrating power without undue harshness. The English term 'meek' often lacks this blend of gentleness (reserve) and strength."

Meekness is the reservedness that comes from a place of strength.

Therefore, when a meek person exercises power in the world, they do so appropriately and with self-control.

This is why many commentators describe a meek man as someone who is not easily provoked or irritated. He is not reactive. He is a man who has his emotions under control and is not easily manipulated or prone to anger.

Christ is the perfect example of meekness.

In Matthew 11, He says, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

We must learn from our meek King. But what exactly should we learn?

In 1 Peter 2, Peter tells us in verse 21 that Jesus left us an example to follow. Then in verse 23, he says, “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.”

Men who understand their position before God, men who know they will be judged by God, are able to exercise immense emotional control.

Jesus didn’t need to defend Himself, and because He was meek, He chose not to.

Psalm 38 provides another example of a spiritually meek mindset:

Those who seek my life lay their snares;

those who seek my harm speak of ruin

and meditate treachery all day long.

But I am like a deaf man; I do not hear,

like a mute man who does not open his mouth.

I have become like a man who does not hear,

and in whose mouth are no rebukes.

This shows a mind that is not easily provoked.

It is at rest because it knows its position before the Lord.

This is why meekness is essential for spiritual leadership.

In 2 Timothy 2:24-25, Paul writes:

And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness.

This passage tells us that the Lord’s servant must be meek.

He must be able to engage in conflict without losing control. He must not be easily offended or angered. He must maintain his composure in the face of insults, false accusations, and even angry mobs.

Lord, give us meekness.