“Meekness” is NOT weakness!
Although it is sometimes (mis) understood that way.
I’m speaking of “meekness” as a “fruit of the (Holy) Spirit,” of course. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, MEEKNESS, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23
The Greek noun is “praotes.” meaning “mildness of disposition, gentleness of spirit.”
Sometimes a word can be studied by contrasting it with its polar opposite. Paul did this in 1st Corinthians 4:21. “What will ye? shall I come unto you with a ROD, or in love, and in the spirit of MEEKNESS?” See the two antithetical choices?
Paul also (later) mentions Jesus as the Paragon of Meekness. Here in 2nd Corinthians 10:1 … “Now I Paul myself beseech you by the MEEKNESS (“praotes”) and gentleness of Christ,” where “meekness” and “gentleness” are clearly parallels.
Again, Galatians 6:1 helps us better understand the word. “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of MEEKNESS; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Help the fallen one, but not as a know-it-all, rather as a lowly fellow-traveler! As a “meek” person, Christian.
Apparently, Preachers especially need meekness! “But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, MEEKNESS.” 1st Timothy 6:11 (a “Pastoral” Epistle), where the verb “follow” means “to pursue, to chase, to run after!”
Here’s a wonderful goal for the godly leader: “To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all MEEKNESS unto all men.” Titus 3:2, toward everybody!
According to James, the only way to really learn God’s Word is to approach it meekly, as hungry people! “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with MEEKNESS the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.” James 1:21, the exact reference. Here it looks like some sins (“filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness”) will negate one’s desire for meekness.
This too, godly Wisdom does NOT make one proud and vain … “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with MEEKNESS of wisdom.” James 3:13, but instead comes with “meekness, lowliness, humility!”
All this being said, I am not yet satisfied with my “stab” at defining “meekness.”
Let me add one more thought. “Meekness” IS NOT weakness, as I said earlier … but “meekness” IS … “strength under control!”
As when a big strong man … fully able to defend himself, “yields” sweetly and quietly to the instructions (maybe even the discipline) of an elderly (but wise) old Pastor, who is issuing a word of correction!
Not fighting, though well capable of doing so, but sweetly obeying, giving in, forbearing!
That’s Bible “meekness!”
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
In the Greek/Romans world “meekness” was NOT a desirable trait! They actually despised such a person! But once Jesus came … to those who love Him anyway … “meekness” became a virtue!
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 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.” Our Lord in Matthew 11:28-29, amazing!