Does Meekness = Weakness?

Meekness is a character quality put forward in Scriptures, and in christian circles. However, many people misunderstand the idea of meekness. I looked up the definition of meekness online, and here is one prominent definition:

"Meek - evidencing little spirit or courage; overly submissive or compliant"

Now I would say that meekness isn't anything like that. It's much more the opposite! Compliant? Moses was a meek person (Num. 12:3) and stood against the ruler of Egypt! Little spirit? Jesus Christ Himself was meek (Mt. 11:29) and the last thing that could be said of Him was that He had little spirit. As for courage, which of the bravest of us would willing go to the cross?
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So what does meek really mean?

Let's look at the original greek word: praus.
That word is used to describe a medicine that brings soothing relief from pain. It is also used in relation to horses that have been tamed. Finally, it's also been used it to describe gentle blowing breezes.

In each case, meekness describes power under control. An unbroken colt can cause serious damage, but a broken one has great power under control. A gentle wind brings relief, but hurricane force winds bring destruction.

Ephesians 4:1-2 instructs us to be meek in our interactions toward each other. That meekness involves gentleness also. (2 Corinthians 10:1) Meekness, then, in our lives is not a lack of strength, but rather a lot of strength, used only for good, and never to harm. To protect, and not to hurt. The more power there is, the more meekness there must be. If a kid was capable of killing people by glaring at them, he would much more quickly than other kids need to learn patience, gentleness and self-control.
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But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.”

Revelation 5:5

Looking again at the example of Christ, He was described as a lion. Lions are epic, beautiful, and very dangerous! One day, we are told, the lion will lie down with the lion. That is not to say that the lion will cease being a lion, but rather to express that a dangerous lion will be protective and gentle toward others, especially helpless lambs. That reminds me, I really like the recent Chronicles of Narnia movies, and especially C.S. Lewis' depiction of the Christ-character as a Lion. It captured beautifully both His meekness and gentleness, even being led to death, and terrifying power which created life won battles.

Meekness is not weakness. No. Meekness is being to crush your opponent, but being merciful instead. But one must also remember that in addition to mercy there is justice. Someday Christ will come back to judge and destroy this earth. A meek ruler is still a ruler who punishes evil.

A non-believer once said "It's going to be fun to watch and see how long the meek can keep the earth once they inherit it. "

But as we can see, even in the analogy of Aslan the lion, a powerful and gentle ruler is truly an awesome force to be reckoned with! It is more scary to stand in the presence of calm power than angry impulsiveness. Now think about that for a moment. Gentle. Meek. Calm. Quiet. Powerful. Those all go together. Anger and frustration don't. Who get's frustrated - the one winning the game, or the one losing? The one losing of course! Those with power have a more naturally calm and quiet spirit.

"Walk softly, and carry a big stick."

I believe that's a good definition of meekness, except perhaps add in there a bit about being loving and gentle to all, but not at the expense of justice. I like this definition personally: God's meekness is absolute power under perfect control. Our power, similarly, should not just be restrained to being tactful in accomplishing our own sometimes unkind goals, but should be restrained in love. Christ could strike any person dead right now, but retrains His power every day because He is patience and loving, tender-hearted, caring, protective, and sympathetic toward us!

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That's about all I have to say. Meekness isn't weakness, it's power under control. So go out there and be meek. Your words are more powerful than you know! Your love is more powerful than you know! Your spirit toward people, your looks of either encouragement or contempt are more powerful than you know. You have the power to lift up or to tear down. You are a powerful being! Now go out and use that power wisely!!! Satan wants you to use your power to hurt others, but we are instead to offer our bodies as powerful instruments of righteousness to God. Get out there and live a life of meekness and power! Make a difference - for the side of love!

The world's view of meekness:

My picture of meekness: