Often when we hear the word 'meek' we think that it is describing a person who is weak and unable to speak for themselves or too scared to defend themselves. When we look at the times the word 'meek' or 'meekness' is used in scripture we can come to an understanding that weakness and meekness are not the same things.
In more recent times, the word meek was changed to the word humble or humility in many Biblical translations. While the two words are very close in meaning and most likely if you are meek you are also humble; they are probably not the exact same thing. The best definition of meekness that I have heard is this: strength under control.
Being meek does not mean letting people walk all over you, it does mean being patient in your suffering, being gentle, teachable, and having a quiet spirit. Examples of meekness come to us from both the Old Testament and the New Testament. Moses is described as being the meekest person in the world in Numbers 12:3 That is far different than the man we see destroying the golden calf in anger and who led the Israelites out of the captivity.
"Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth." Numbers 12:3
Jesus-who is our greatest example of living a godly life is known for His meekness.
"I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ--I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!" 2 Corinthians 10:1
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."
Matthew 11:29
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23
The Bible contains promises for those who are meek.
"But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace." Psalm 37:1
"The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the LORD, and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel." Isaiah 29:19
"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."
Matthew 5:5
How can you follow Christ's example of meekness in your life? Are you willing to wait for God's answer instead of trying to work things out on your own?