Blessed Are the Meek

Synopsis

Synopsis

An attitude of humble, submissive and expectant trust in God, and a loving, patient and gentle attitude towards others.

An attitude of humble, submissive and expectant trust in God, and a loving, patient and gentle attitude towards others.

Meekness required by God

Meekness required by God

(ESV) — 3 Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, who do his just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the anger of the Lord.

(ESV) — 3 Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, who do his just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the anger of the Lord.

See also ;

See also ;

(ESV) — 19 It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud.

(ESV) — 19 It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud.

(ESV) — 4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.

(ESV) — 4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.

God’s promises to the meek

God’s promises to the meek

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(ESV) — 11 But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.

(ESV) — 11 But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.

(ESV) — 5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

(ESV) — 5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

(ESV) — 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

(ESV) — 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

See also ; In Scripture, “the poor” frequently represent the humble, godly poor; ; ; ; ;

See also ; In Scripture, “the poor” frequently represent the humble, godly poor; ; ; ; ;

(ESV) — 9 He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.

(ESV) — 9 He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.

(ESV) — 32 When the humble see it they will be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive.

(ESV) — 32 When the humble see it they will be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive.

(ESV) — 6 The Lord lifts up the humble; he casts the wicked to the ground.

(ESV) — 6 The Lord lifts up the humble; he casts the wicked to the ground.

(ESV) — 19 The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the Lord, and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel.

(ESV) — 19 The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the Lord, and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel.

(ESV) — 2 All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.

(ESV) — 2 All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.

(ESV) — 11 “On that day you shall not be put to shame because of the deeds by which you have rebelled against me; for then I will remove from your midst your proudly exultant ones, and you shall no longer be haughty in my holy mountain. 12 But I will leave in your midst a people humble and lowly. They shall seek refuge in the name of the Lord,

(ESV) — 11 “On that day you shall not be put to shame because of the deeds by which you have rebelled against me; for then I will remove from your midst your proudly exultant ones, and you shall no longer be haughty in my holy mountain. 12 But I will leave in your midst a people humble and lowly. They shall seek refuge in the name of the Lord,

(ESV) — 6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

(ESV) — 6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

God acts to save the meek

God acts to save the meek

(ESV) — 5 Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. 6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.

(ESV) — 5 Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. 6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.

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(ESV) — 28 You save a humble people, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them down.

(ESV) — 28 You save a humble people, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them down.

(ESV) — 12 Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up your hand; forget not the afflicted.

(ESV) — 12 Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up your hand; forget not the afflicted.

(ESV) — 17 O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear

(ESV) — 17 O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear

(ESV) — 27 For you save a humble people, but the haughty eyes you bring down.

(ESV) — 27 For you save a humble people, but the haughty eyes you bring down.

(ESV) — 4 In your majesty ride out victoriously for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; let your right hand teach you awesome deeds!

(ESV) — 4 In your majesty ride out victoriously for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; let your right hand teach you awesome deeds!

(ESV) — 9 when God arose to establish judgment, to save all the humble of the earth. Selah

(ESV) — 9 when God arose to establish judgment, to save all the humble of the earth. Selah

(ESV) — 4 For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation.

(ESV) — 4 For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation.

(ESV) — 34 Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor.

(ESV) — 34 Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor.

Meekness is a correct attitude in prayer

Meekness is a correct attitude in prayer

(ESV) — 17 As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God!

(ESV) — 17 As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God!

See also

See also

(ESV) — 5 But I am poor and needy; hasten to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay!

(ESV) — 5 But I am poor and needy; hasten to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay!

Godly wisdom produces meekness

Godly wisdom produces meekness

(ESV) — 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.

(ESV) — 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.

Examples of meekness

Examples of meekness

Moses

Moses

(ESV) — 3 Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth.

(ESV) — 3 Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth.

David

David

See also

See also

(ESV) — 11 And David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my own son seeks my life; how much more now may this Benjaminite! Leave him alone, and let him curse, for the Lord has told him to. 12 It may be that the Lord will look on the wrong done to me, and that the Lord will repay me with good for his cursing today.”

(ESV) — 11 And David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my own son seeks my life; how much more now may this Benjaminite! Leave him alone, and let him curse, for the Lord has told him to. 12 It may be that the Lord will look on the wrong done to me, and that the Lord will repay me with good for his cursing today.”

Ahab (1 Kings 17:21-29)

Ahab

(ESV) — 27 And when Ahab heard those words, he tore his clothes and put sackcloth on his flesh and fasted and lay in sackcloth and went about dejectedly.

(ESV) — 27 And when Ahab heard those words, he tore his clothes and put sackcloth on his flesh and fasted and lay in sackcloth and went about dejectedly.

Job

Job

(ESV) — 21 And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”

(ESV) — 21 And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Jeremiah

Jeremiah

(ESV) — 19 But I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter. I did not know it was against me they devised schemes, saying, “Let us destroy the tree with its fruit, let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name be remembered no more.”

(ESV) — 19 But I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter. I did not know it was against me they devised schemes, saying, “Let us destroy the tree with its fruit, let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name be remembered no more.”

See also

See also

(ESV) — 14 But as for me, behold, I am in your hands. Do with me as seems good and right to you.

(ESV) — 14 But as for me, behold, I am in your hands. Do with me as seems good and right to you.

Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ

Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ

(ESV) — 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

(ESV) — 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Stephen

Stephen

(ESV) — 60 And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

(ESV) — 60 And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Paul

Paul

(ESV) — 16 At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them!

(ESV) — 16 At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them!

Meekness in the life of Jesus Christ

Meekness in the life of Jesus Christ

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(ESV) — 29 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.

(ESV) — 29 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.

(ESV) — 1 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!—

(ESV) — 1 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!—

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See also ; ; ; ;

(ESV) — 7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.

(ESV) — 7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.

(ESV) — 5 “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’ ”

(ESV) — 5 “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’ ”

(ESV) — 61 But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?”

(ESV) — 61 But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?”

(ESV) — 34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.

(ESV) — 34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.

(ESV) — 23 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.

(ESV) — 23 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.

Meekness is expected in the life of the Christian

Meekness is expected in the life of the Christian

A necessary characteristic

A necessary characteristic

(ESV) — 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

(ESV) — 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

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See also ; ; ; ; ;

(ESV) — 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

(ESV) — 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

(ESV) — 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

(ESV) — 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

(ESV) — 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;

(ESV) — 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;

(ESV) — 12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,

(ESV) — 12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,

(ESV) — 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

(ESV) — 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

(ESV) — 8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

(ESV) — 8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

Towards enemies

Towards enemies

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(ESV) — 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.

(ESV) — 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.

(ESV) — 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”

(ESV) — 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”

In leadership

In leadership

(ESV) — 11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.

(ESV) — 11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.

In witness

In witness

(ESV) — 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

(ESV) — 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

In discipline

In discipline

(ESV) — 1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

(ESV) — 1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

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See also ; ;

(ESV) — 21 What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?

(ESV) — 21 What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?

(ESV) — 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,

(ESV) — 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,

(ESV) — 2 He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness.

(ESV) — 2 He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness.

In the family

In the family

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(ESV) — 22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.

(ESV) — 22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.

(ESV) — 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.

(ESV) — 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.

(ESV) — 1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

(ESV) — 1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

(ESV) — 18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

(ESV) — 18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

In society

In society

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(ESV) — 1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.

(ESV) — 1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.

(ESV) — 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience.

(ESV) — 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience.

(ESV) — 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

(ESV) — 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

Matthew: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary The Necessity for Meekness

THE NECESSITY FOR MEEKNESS

Meekness is necessary first of all because it is required for salvation. Only the meek will inherit the earth, because only the meek belong to the King who will rule the future kingdom of the earth. “For the Lord takes delight in His people,” says the psalmist; “he crowns the humble with salvation” (Ps. 149:4, NIV). When the disciples asked Jesus who was the greatest in the kingdom, “He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, ‘Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven’ ” (Matt. 18:2–4).

Meekness is also necessary because it is commanded. “Seek the Lord, all you humble of the earth who have carried out His ordinances; seek righteousness, seek humility” (Zeph. 2:3). James commands believers, “Therefore putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21). Those who do not have a humble spirit are not able even to listen rightly to God’s Word, much less understand and receive it.

Meekness is necessary because we cannot witness effectively without it. Peter says, “Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (1 Pet. 3:15). Pride will always stand between our testimony and those to whom we testify. They will see us instead of the Lord, no matter how orthodox our theology or how refined our technique.

Meekness is necessary because only meekness gives glory to God. Pride seeks its own glory, but meekness seeks God’s. Meekness is reflected in our attitude toward other children of God. Humility in relation to fellow Christians gives God glory. “Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus; that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God” (Rom. 15:5–7).