Praotes: Meekness not Weakness

Meekness in the New Testament stems from the Greek word praotes.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness…
Galatians 5.22-23 (KJV)

praotes

Praotes can mean meekness, gentleness, and mildness.

It is often translated “gentleness” (NIV, NKJV, NASB).

Meekness is not weakness. Too often we get the mental picture of a mild mannered Clark Kent. It is not weakness. It is not the opposite of strength.

Praotes (meekness) is closely related to strength, strength that is disciplined, strength under control.

inward meekness

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

This is one of the few times Jesus describes Himself.

He is “meek and lowly.”

Meekness is a character trait of God Himself.

We can’t become more like Him without becoming meeker.

outward meekness

“It is a true humility that does not consider itself too good to do the humble tasks.”[1]

When something needs to be done, the one who is meek is the one who will “git’r done.”

Mat Kearney
Sooner or Later

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“A meek person has a disciplined spirit. Potentially all spiritual blessings are available to this person.”[2]

Why do the meek receive blessings and favor?

It’s because the meek are not looking out for their own good, but for others.

God is looking for meek people to reward.

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Matthew 5.5

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notes:

1. Stanley M. Horton, What the Bible Says About the Holy Spirit, Rev. ed. (Springfield, MO: Gospel Publishing House, 2005), 179.
2. David Lim, “Spiritual Gifts,” in Systematic Theology, ed. Stanley M. Horton (Springfield, MO: Logion Press, 2002), 482.