Meekness: Saints should Exhibit, in Conduct
Jump to: Torrey'sLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Meekness is a virtue that is highly esteemed in the Christian faith, often associated with humility, gentleness, and a submissive spirit. It is a quality that believers are encouraged to cultivate as part of their spiritual growth and conduct. The Bible provides numerous references and examples that highlight the importance of meekness in the life of a saint.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of meekness is deeply rooted in Scripture, where it is often linked with righteousness and favor in the eyes of God. In the Beatitudes, Jesus Himself extols the virtue of meekness: "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5). This promise underscores the eternal reward and divine approval that accompany a meek spirit.

Old Testament Insights

The Old Testament provides several examples of meekness, particularly in the lives of key figures. Moses is described as "a very humble man, more so than any man on the face of the earth" (Numbers 12:3). His leadership, characterized by reliance on God and a gentle approach to guiding the Israelites, exemplifies meekness in action.

The Psalms also highlight the blessings associated with meekness: "The meek will inherit the land and delight in abundant prosperity" (Psalm 37:11). This verse reflects the belief that meekness leads to divine favor and earthly blessings.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, meekness is a fruit of the Spirit, as outlined by the Apostle Paul: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23). Here, gentleness is synonymous with meekness, indicating its integral role in the Christian character.

Paul further instructs believers to embody meekness in their interactions: "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love" (Ephesians 4:2). This exhortation emphasizes the relational aspect of meekness, urging saints to practice it in their dealings with others.

Christ as the Ultimate Example

Jesus Christ is the ultimate model of meekness. In His earthly ministry, He demonstrated a gentle and humble heart, inviting others to follow His example: "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:29). His life and teachings provide a perfect blueprint for believers striving to exhibit meekness.

Practical Application

Saints are called to exhibit meekness in various aspects of their conduct. This includes responding to adversity with patience, engaging with others in a spirit of gentleness, and submitting to God's will with humility. James encourages believers to "receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls" (James 1:21), highlighting the importance of a teachable and receptive heart.

In summary, meekness is a defining characteristic of a saint's conduct, deeply rooted in biblical teaching and exemplified by Christ Himself. It is a quality that reflects a heart aligned with God's will, fostering peace, humility, and divine favor in the life of a believer.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
James 3:13
Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity the Christian Calling and Unity.
... himself be tutored by these remarkably enlightened saints. ... of the virtues like humility,
meekness, patience, love ... vocation received from God, should learn and ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/seventeenth sunday after trinity the.htm

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
... of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering; 13 ... Christian's mind
and heart should be constantly ... rules of hypocritical saints, whose severity ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/fifth sunday after epiphany.htm

Preface
... page, even though the purport of it should be expressed ... contended for (in a spirit
of meekness) as for the faith once delivered to the saints; and certain ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/preface.htm

Third Sunday in Lent
... the fallen in a spirit of meekness; and he ... miracles, pilgrimages, masses, worship
of saints, indulgencies, and ... It should be our daily and constant employment ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/third sunday in lent.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... above us; now our patience should look up ... all the miscarriages of the saints and
people ... righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness'; and 'Fight ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

1 Cor. I. 4, 5
... who had "set themselves to minister unto the saints," and had ... or in love, and in
the spirit of meekness?" And, (2 ... nature be not such as that men should run to ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily ii 1 cor i.htm

V. ...
... Scripture says not much of the saints that have ... is so important, that we should walk
in ... peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter i v .htm

Whosoever Confesses that one God is the Author of Both Testaments ...
... serve Him according to their ability, should suffer persecution ... come to be glorified
in His saints, and to ... Thou because of truth, and meekness, and righteousness ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxiii whosoever confesses that one.htm

A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
... way by which you can ever attain to true meekness, is to ... And lest we should have
omitted to perceive that this is ... yet you can extend it "to the saints that are ...
/.../sergieff/on the christian life/chapter ii a summary of.htm

A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
... way by which you can ever attain to true meekness, is to ... And lest we should have
omitted to perceive that this is ... yet you can extend it "to the saints that are ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 7 a summary of.htm

Resources
Why are there so many different Christian interpretations? | GotQuestions.org

The Fruit of the Holy Spirit What is gentleness? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about dealing with difficult people? | GotQuestions.org

Meekness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Meekness

Meekness of Jesus

Meekness: A Characteristic of Wisdom

Meekness: A Fruit of the Spirit

Meekness: Abraham

Meekness: Blessedness of

Meekness: Christ Set an Example of

Meekness: David

Meekness: General Scriptures Concerning

Meekness: Gideon

Meekness: Hannah

Meekness: His Teaching

Meekness: Isaac

Meekness: Job

Meekness: Ministers should Follow After

Meekness: Ministers should Instruct Opposers With

Meekness: Ministers should Urge, on Their People

Meekness: Moses

Meekness: Necessary to a Christian Walk

Meekness: Paul

Meekness: Precious in the Sight of God

Meekness: Saints should Answer for Their Hope With

Meekness: Saints should Exhibit, in Conduct

Meekness: Saints should Put On

Meekness: Saints should Receive the Word of God With

Meekness: Saints should Restore the Erring With

Meekness: Saints should Seek

Meekness: Saints should Show to all Men

Meekness: Saul

Meekness: The Angel

Meekness: The Gospel to be Preached to Those Who Possess

Meekness: The Thessalonians

Meekness: Those Who are Gifted With are Beautified With Salvation

Meekness: Those Who are Gifted With are Exalted

Meekness: Those Who are Gifted With are Guided and Taught

Meekness: Those Who are Gifted With are Preserved

Meekness: Those Who are Gifted With are Richly Provided For

Meekness: Those Who are Gifted With: Increase Their Joy

Meekness: Those Who are Gifted With: Shall Inherit the Earth

Related Terms

Lamb (124 Occurrences)

Long-suffering (23 Occurrences)

Meek (23 Occurrences)

Longsuffering (17 Occurrences)

Zephaniah (11 Occurrences)

Humbleness (1 Occurrence)

Quarreling (17 Occurrences)

Quiet (167 Occurrences)

Quarrelsome (9 Occurrences)

Naughtiness (3 Occurrences)

Opposition (22 Occurrences)

Opposing (13 Occurrences)

Overtaken (36 Occurrences)

Gentleness (17 Occurrences)

Intelligent (47 Occurrences)

Ingrafted (5 Occurrences)

Instructing (14 Occurrences)

Instruct (34 Occurrences)

Forbearing (10 Occurrences)

Tremendous (9 Occurrences)

Tender-heartedness (2 Occurrences)

Endurance (31 Occurrences)

Endued (7 Occurrences)

Engrafted (1 Occurrence)

Defense (49 Occurrences)

Deportment (12 Occurrences)

Detected (4 Occurrences)

Misconduct (4 Occurrences)

Mercies (62 Occurrences)

Meekly (1 Occurrence)

Mild (2 Occurrences)

Piety (21 Occurrences)

Prosperously (5 Occurrences)

Peradventure (35 Occurrences)

Peaceable (9 Occurrences)

Pursue (104 Occurrences)

Bowels (40 Occurrences)

Behavior (20 Occurrences)

Bold (21 Occurrences)

Brawlers (2 Occurrences)

Clothe (52 Occurrences)

Considering (10 Occurrences)

Choice (113 Occurrences)

Anybody (12 Occurrences)

Abounding (28 Occurrences)

Asketh (40 Occurrences)

Acknowledgment (6 Occurrences)

Symbol (8 Occurrences)

Submission (10 Occurrences)

Sometime (5 Occurrences)

Superabundance (4 Occurrences)

Shewing (23 Occurrences)

Showeth (20 Occurrences)

Splendour (32 Occurrences)

Self-restraint (2 Occurrences)

Temperance (3 Occurrences)

Appearance (126 Occurrences)

Dearly (30 Occurrences)

Beseech (85 Occurrences)

Evil (1503 Occurrences)

Setting (82 Occurrences)

Conversation (30 Occurrences)

Elect (32 Occurrences)

Josiah (51 Occurrences)

Behaviour (115 Occurrences)

Fearful (73 Occurrences)

Base (127 Occurrences)

Accept (106 Occurrences)

Executed (39 Occurrences)

Pastoral

Prepared (246 Occurrences)

Terrible (90 Occurrences)

James (40 Occurrences)

Moses (9295 Occurrences)

Receiving (72 Occurrences)

Thyself (352 Occurrences)

Prosper (91 Occurrences)

Aside (416 Occurrences)

Meekness: Saints should Answer for Their Hope With
Top of Page
Top of Page