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Blessed Are The Meek
Brian Mashburn
June 26, 2011
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The Supreme Blessing of Meekness
Whenever I hear anyone teach on the Beatitude that says, "Blessed are the meek," the first thing they are inclined to say is, "Meek does not mean weak!"
It is a shame that the word "meek" has deteriorated in the English so much that it brings some pitiful picture of spinelessness, fearful inferiority feelings, or weakness.
In the Greek, the word for "meek" was quite strong, virtuous, and necessary for true greatness and usefulness, either to God or men. William Barclay says that meekness was used to describe the person who struck the balance between excessive anger and excessive angerlessness. In other words, the meek are always angry at the right times, and not angry at the wrong times.
It was also the word used for an animal which had been domesticated. That is, its strength had become useful because it submitted itself to obey another.
Not only that, but "meekness" was also contrasted with their word for "lofty-heartedness" (arrogance). The meek were those with true humility that left no room for pride.
So...Blessed are those who have the humility to know and honor their own neediness, who have every impulse submitted to God's authority, and are angry always and only at the right times.
These are ones who own life to the full on this earth.