Zone1 Meekness Isn't Weakness

[buttercup]

Meekness isn't a word you hear very often, and when you do hear it, it's often portrayed negatively. Many people associate meekness with weakness or timidity. But we can know right off the bat that meekness is not weakness, because Jesus Himself – who was God incarnate – described Himself as meek.

“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

Obviously God is not weak, God is the very opposite of weak.

So what does meekness mean?

The first mention of the word “meek” in the Bible is found in Numbers 12:3. The verse states, “Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.” This verse highlights Moses’ humility and gentle spirit, particularly as a contrast to his siblings, Aaron and Miriam, who had spoken against him.

In Number 12, we see that in the face of insult and provocation, Moses did not respond with angry defensiveness. Instead, it was God who defended Moses, and punished Miriam. (Numbers 12:10) Moses’ response in this passage serves as an example of biblical meekness.

When there is an offense or even persecution, a meek person responds with patience and grace, and trusts in God’s justice instead of taking matters into his own hands.

Qualities like patience and self-restraint require strength. So meekness is not weakness, it is a deliberate choice to respond with humility, even when one may have the right to assert themselves. Someone who is meek is submitted to God, therefore meekness is controlled strength.

God’s choice of a meek man to lead the Israelites shows that meekness is complementary to strength and leadership, not contradictory.

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I was reminded of this topic because I was listening to a beautiful song, by Taya (I'll post the video below) and in the lyrics is the phrase "lowly and meek yet all powerful...." Those words bring up the question, how can God Almighty be "lowly and meek" yet all powerful?

I believe it is about strength through humility and service instead of dominance or aggression. In Philippians 2:7-8, it says that Jesus “emptied himself” by taking the form of a servant. His didn't display His power through force, but through love, sacrifice, and selflessness.

Again, the world sees meekness very differently. But as some here would agree, the Kingdom of God turns most worldly ideas upside down.

Do you believe in the biblical perspective of meekness? And how do you think it's possible for God to be both "lowly and meek" yet all powerful?

Here's the song I mentioned, called Canticle. It's adapted from an old Irish prayer called Saint Patrick’s Breastplate.

 

[Thunk]

I always found that verse interesting.

The meek shall INHERIT the earth.

You only INHERIT something when somebody dies...so it would seem that the non-meek all die.

 

[Mashmont]

Meekness isn't a word you hear very often, and when you do hear it, it's often portrayed negatively. Many people associate meekness with weakness or timidity. But we can know right off the bat that meekness is not weakness, because Jesus Himself – who was God incarnate – described Himself as meek.



Obviously God is not weak, God is the very opposite of weak.

So what does meekness mean?

The first mention of the word “meek” in the Bible is found in Numbers 12:3. The verse states, “Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.” This verse highlights Moses’ humility and gentle spirit, particularly as a contrast to his siblings, Aaron and Miriam, who had spoken against him.

In Number 12, we see that in the face of insult and provocation, Moses did not respond with angry defensiveness. Instead, it was God who defended Moses, and punished Miriam. (Numbers 12:10) Moses’ response in this passage serves as an example of biblical meekness.

When there is an offense or even persecution, a meek person responds with patience and grace, and trusts in God’s justice instead of taking matters into his own hands.

Qualities like patience and self-restraint require strength. So meekness is not weakness, it is a deliberate choice to respond with humility, even when one may have the right to assert themselves. Someone who is meek is submitted to God, therefore meekness is controlled strength.

God’s choice of a meek man to lead the Israelites shows that meekness is complementary to strength and leadership, not contradictory.


View attachment 1075477


-------

I was reminded of this topic because I was listening to a beautiful song, by Taya (I'll post the video below) and in the lyrics is the phrase "lowly and meek yet all powerful...." Those words bring up the question, how can God Almighty be "lowly and meek" yet all powerful?

I believe it is about strength through humility and service instead of dominance or aggression. In Philippians 2:7-8, it says that Jesus “emptied himself” by taking the form of a servant. His didn't display His power through force, but through love, sacrifice, and selflessness.

Again, the world sees meekness very differently. But as some here would agree, the Kingdom of God turns most worldly ideas upside down.

Do you believe in the biblical perspective of meekness? And how do you think it's possible for God to be both "lowly and meek" yet all powerful?

Here's the song I mentioned, called Canticle. It's adapted from an old Irish prayer called Saint Patrick’s Breastplate.

I have always had a difficult time reconciling the bible-instructed "meekness" versus countries' needs to stand up to those who wish their demise. Over a millennium ago, Muslims wiped out Christians in North Africa. What should the Church have done? Stood down or fought back? In practice it seems like bold strength is necessary to achieve justice. LIke JFK had to do to the USSR to get them to back down during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Like Donald Trump just did with Canada and Mexico by threatening tariffs in order to get just trade terms. But are such acts Christian acts? Should countries also be meek and accept the consequences, relying on God's help? I honestly don't know. What appears to be reasonable flies in the face of Biblical teaching.

 

[luiza]

Meekness isn't a word you hear very often, and when you do hear it, it's often portrayed negatively.

It looks as though this was another liberal translation from the original Greek .
Within the total picture it looks like a deliberate mistranslation to bolster the"Jesus image" .
As follows:-

The meek are self-controlled or Divinely controlled. The Greek word was used of a formerly wild animal that had been broken and trained by its master. Previously, the animal could not be ridden or controlled, but after being trained, it followed the master’s instruction.

Somewhat differet in tone and conclusion .

 

[shockedcanadian]

Meekness isn't a word you hear very often, and when you do hear it, it's often portrayed negatively. Many people associate meekness with weakness or timidity. But we can know right off the bat that meekness is not weakness, because Jesus Himself – who was God incarnate – described Himself as meek.



Obviously God is not weak, God is the very opposite of weak.

So what does meekness mean?

The first mention of the word “meek” in the Bible is found in Numbers 12:3. The verse states, “Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.” This verse highlights Moses’ humility and gentle spirit, particularly as a contrast to his siblings, Aaron and Miriam, who had spoken against him.

In Number 12, we see that in the face of insult and provocation, Moses did not respond with angry defensiveness. Instead, it was God who defended Moses, and punished Miriam. (Numbers 12:10) Moses’ response in this passage serves as an example of biblical meekness.

When there is an offense or even persecution, a meek person responds with patience and grace, and trusts in God’s justice instead of taking matters into his own hands.

Qualities like patience and self-restraint require strength. So meekness is not weakness, it is a deliberate choice to respond with humility, even when one may have the right to assert themselves. Someone who is meek is submitted to God, therefore meekness is controlled strength.

God’s choice of a meek man to lead the Israelites shows that meekness is complementary to strength and leadership, not contradictory.


View attachment 1075477


-------

I was reminded of this topic because I was listening to a beautiful song, by Taya (I'll post the video below) and in the lyrics is the phrase "lowly and meek yet all powerful...." Those words bring up the question, how can God Almighty be "lowly and meek" yet all powerful?

I believe it is about strength through humility and service instead of dominance or aggression. In Philippians 2:7-8, it says that Jesus “emptied himself” by taking the form of a servant. His didn't display His power through force, but through love, sacrifice, and selflessness.

Again, the world sees meekness very differently. But as some here would agree, the Kingdom of God turns most worldly ideas upside down.

Do you believe in the biblical perspective of meekness? And how do you think it's possible for God to be both "lowly and meek" yet all powerful?

Here's the song I mentioned, called Canticle. It's adapted from an old Irish prayer called Saint Patrick’s Breastplate.

Judaism and the Torah speak highly about being humble. Trying not to hurt someones feelings as it is akin to murder in some respect if you strip someone of their dignity enough that they ":want to die".

An extrapolation which may be a few degrees wider than one might define but a valid interpretation nonetheless if one really ponders the notion. Meek may not be a word I represent, but humble, polite and dignified in my interactions with people, yes.

Meek is only practiced in my discussions with G-d. I sometimes beg for my health and liberty a little too directly, but I am completely at his mercy. I have a quiet confidence and I'm willing to stare down evil. All good men should. I'm not going to stare down G-d now am I?

One of the best compliments I ever received, perhaps because it was totally unexpected; came from a high school teacher. I didn't particular like him truth be told, but, he said to me in front of the class "you have a gentle nature about you". It was after I answered a question with some detail. For some reason it has always remained with me, I was content with being viewed as a good human being who isn't looking to spread evil.

At the time, I found that women probably found me to be a bit of an enigma as I was an athlete, but fairly quiet, solid scholastically, a constant thinker. One girl I dated told me that her friend advised her not to try to go after me because she was sure I was gay lol. I was into my music and tried to avoid the pitfalls of living in a tough neighbourhood and being relaxed was the safe way to stay out of trouble.

What I find is the highest form of respect is when someone who is fairly boisterous gives a compliment to a good person. I saw Trump at the Prayer Breakfast today and he spoke highly of Douf Burgum, I believe calling him a "a very good human being" and "an honest person". Those are strong compliments IMO, when you refer to a mans character, it's strong. You can almost sense Trump stating it as if to say "I'm not always a great guy myself, but neither are my adversaries around me, but Doug, THAT'S a genuinely good man".

This doesn't compare to such compliments in the bible obviously, but it is important for men in authority to share such sentiments of good people. We should all want to be good human beings.

Meek is an uncomfortable word as we might refer to Corporal Upham in the movie Saving Private Ryan as "meek". Which would mean, extremely cowardly in that instance. I don't want to ever be like that man. Humble, yes, cowardly, no.

 

[buttercup]

I always found that verse interesting.

The meek shall INHERIT the earth.

You only INHERIT something when somebody dies...so it would seem that the non-meek all die.

It is interesting to me too. I want to understand the beatitudes more. In regard to that particular verse about the meek inheriting the earth, there are different interpretations. But one thing we know for sure....true believers will be on the New Earth and Heaven, and since meekness is one of the fruits of the Spirit, I think that's probably what it means when it says the meek shall inherit the earth. But I'd like to hear other thoughts on it.

I have always had a difficult time reconciling the bible-instructed "meekness" versus countries' needs to stand up to those who wish their demise. Over a millennium ago, Muslims wiped out Christians in North Africa. What should the Church have done? Stood down or fought back? In practice it seems like bold strength is necessary to achieve justice. LIke JFK had to do to the USSR to get them to back down during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Like Donald Trump just did with Canada and Mexico by threatening tariffs in order to get just trade terms. But are such acts Christian acts? Should countries also be meek and accept the consequences, relying on God's help? I honestly don't know. What appears to be reasonable flies in the face of Biblical teaching.

Oh man, that's opening up a can of worms, haha. My view is that only self-defense is justified. And very few (if any) wars are about defense against an invasion. Most wars are about taking over land or resources, taking control, etc.

 

[buttercup]

It looks as though this was another liberal translation from the original Greek .
Within the total picture it looks like a deliberate mistranslation to bolster the"Jesus image" .
As follows:-

The meek are self-controlled or Divinely controlled. The Greek word was used of a formerly wild animal that had been broken and trained by its master. Previously, the animal could not be ridden or controlled, but after being trained, it followed the master’s instruction.

Somewhat differet in tone and conclusion .

I'm curious to know were you got that meaning from... of the Greek word for meekness? I looked it up in Strong's concordance. But apart from that I haven't studied the etymology of the word.

 

[buttercup]

Judaism and the Torah speak highly about being humble. Trying not to hurt someones feelings as it is akin to murder in some respect if you strip someone of their dignity enough that they ":want to die".

An extrapolation which may be a few degrees wider than one might define but a valid interpretation nonetheless if one really ponders the notion. Meek may not be a word I represent, but humble, polite and dignified in my interactions with people, yes.

Meek is only practiced in my discussions with G-d. I sometimes beg for my health and liberty a little too directly, but I am completely at his mercy. I have a quiet confidence and I'm willing to stare down evil. All good men should. I'm not going to stare down G-d now am I?

One of the best compliments I ever received, perhaps because it was totally unexpected; came from a high school teacher. I didn't particular like him truth be told, but, he said to me in front of the class "you have a gentle nature about you". It was after I answered a question with some detail. For some reason it has always remained with me, I was content with being viewed as a good human being who isn't looking to spread evil.

At the time, I found that women probably found me to be a bit of an enigma as I was an athlete, but fairly quiet, solid scholastically, a constant thinker. One girl I dated told me that her friend advised her not to try to go after me because she was sure I was gay lol. I was into my music and tried to avoid the pitfalls of living in a tough neighbourhood and being relaxed was the safe way to stay out of trouble.

What I find is the highest form of respect is when someone who is fairly boisterous gives a compliment to a good person. I saw Trump at the Prayer Breakfast today and he spoke highly of Douf Burgum, I believe calling him a "a very good human being" and "an honest person". Those are strong compliments IMO, when you refer to a mans character, it's strong. You can almost sense Trump stating it as if to say "I'm not always a great guy myself, but neither are my adversaries around me, but Doug, THAT'S a genuinely good man".

This doesn't compare to such compliments in the bible obviously, but it is important for men in authority to share such sentiments of good people. We should all want to be good human beings.

Meek is an uncomfortable word as we might refer to Corporal Upham in the movie Saving Private Ryan as "meek". Which would mean, extremely cowardly in that instance. I don't want to ever be like that man. Humble, yes, cowardly, no.

Thanks for sharing that, and I agree with the person who told you that, that is your nature. As for the last thing you said, I don't think it's about cowardliness at all, that may be how some people view it, but it's not the biblical meaning. Being submitted to God and strength under control is not cowardly or weak. Like I said in the OP it takes strength to be self-controlled and to be confident in God instead of always taking matters into our own hands.

 

[sparky]

I've often been accused of being meek , but what many do not understand is that it takes a world of inner strength and fortitude to appear so....~S~

 

[onefour1]

I always found that verse interesting.

The meek shall INHERIT the earth.

You only INHERIT something when somebody dies...so it would seem that the non-meek all die.

The meek will inherit the earth not only in the Millennium but also in eternity. This earth, after the Millennium will be changed into a celestial sphere and become part of the Kingdom of Heaven and the meek will dwell upon it forever and ever.

 

[sparky]

The meek will inherit the earth not only in the Millennium but also in eternity. This earth, after the Millennium will be changed into a celestial sphere and become part of the Kingdom of Heaven and the meek will dwell upon it forever and ever.

promise?

~S~

 

[buttercup]

I've often been accused of being meek , but what many do not understand is that it takes a world of inner strength and fortitude to appear so....~S~

Yes, that's what I was trying to say! I've been accused of being gentle too...but also bold. lol. And you just reminded me of the verse (Jesus' words) "be wise as serpents but harmless as doves."

 

[sparky]

Yes, that's what I was trying to say! I've been accused of being gentle too...but also bold. lol. And you just reminded me of the verse (Jesus' words) "be wise as serpents but harmless as doves."

for whatever folks might think of or see me as, i will never escape the Christian lad i was raised to be Buttercup

such are things we're programmed towards, despite any denial ....~S~

 

[BreezeWood]

a&e chose self determination than servitude and denial ... what the serpent failed to accomplish in the garden they made good their case in the desert bibles.

 

[Thunk]

I think that's probably what it means when it says the meek shall inherit the earth. But I'd like to hear other thoughts on it.

My mind kinda goes to the indiana jones code...only the penitent man shall pass...penitent man...penitent man...THE PENITENT MAN KNEELS! And he knelt down just before the blade would have cut his head off.

So...the meek man...meek man

The meek man has wisdom, He doesn't start arguments or pick a fight...even avoids a fight if he can.

Oh well...I'm doomed

 

[onefour1]

Doctrine and Covenants 88:15-22
15 And the spirit and the body are the soul of man.
16 And the resurrection from the dead is the redemption of the soul.
17 And the redemption of the soul is through him that quickeneth all things, in whose bosom it is decreed that the poor and the meek of the earth shall inherit it.
18 Therefore, it must needs be sanctified from all unrighteousness, that it may be prepared for the celestial glory;
19 For after it hath filled the measure of its creation, it shall be crowned with glory, even with the presence of God the Father;
20 That bodies who are of the celestial kingdom may possess it forever and ever; for, for this intent was it made and created, and for this intent are they sanctified.
21 And they who are not sanctified through the law which I have given unto you, even the law of Christ, must inherit another kingdom, even that of a terrestrial kingdom, or that of a telestial kingdom.
22 For he who is not able to abide the law of a celestial kingdom cannot abide a celestial glory.

 

[buttercup]

My mind kinda goes to the indiana jones code...only the penitent man shall pass...penitent man...penitent man...THE PENITENT MAN KNEELS! And he knelt down just before the blade would have cut his head off.

So...the meek man...meek man

The meek man has wisdom, He doesn't start arguments or pick a fight...even avoids a fight if he can.

Oh well...I'm doomed

Come on now. Its not about perfection. I don't want to get off topic, but it's really very simple. Just be born again. That's it. Then we have a new nature... but that doesn't mean that our old human nature completely goes away. I've been a Christian for over 20 years now but I'm definitely a work in progress. And like a dummy I've had to learn things the hard way, instead of the smarter way.

 

[Thunk]

Come on now. Its not about perfection.

I know. Jesus is my Lord and Savior so I'm saved. But I sure wish I'd been meeker! Now all I got is...

 

[Woodznutz]

I've often been accused of being meek , but what many do not understand is that it takes a world of inner strength and fortitude to appear so....~S~

Kinda like Dolly Parton says. "It costs a lot of money to look this cheap."

 

[Woodznutz]

I'm curious to know were you got that meaning from... of the Greek word for meekness? I looked it up in Strong's concordance. But apart from that I haven't studied the etymology of the word.

From Strong's/Greek

"Meekness toward God is that disposition of spirit in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting. In the OT, the meek are those wholly relying on God rather than their own strength to defend against injustice. Thus, meekness toward evil people means knowing God is permitting the injuries they inflict, that He is using them to purify His elect, and that He will deliver His elect in His time (Isa 41:17, Luk 18:1-8). Gentleness or meekness is the opposite to self-assertiveness and self-interest. It stems from trust in God's goodness and control over the situation. The gentle person is not occupied with self at all. This is a work of the Holy Spirit, not of the human will (Gal 5:23)."

This about sums it up.