Meekness

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. ( In the original Greek, this verse says ; for they only shall inherit... )

The word ' blessed ', used in these verses refers to someone receiving applause from Heaven, someone whose attitude has found favour with God.

Who is blessed according to this verse ?
- the meek ( some translation use the word gentle or humble )
What are they promised ?
- they shall inherit the earth.

The Greek word for gentle is ' praus '
- It means more than ' meek '. Biblical meekness is not weakness but rather refers to exercising God's strength under His control.
Praus ; the process of taming a wild animal so that it hasn't been weakened but it's strength can be used.
- on one side, gentleness and reserve, on the other side, strength.
- controlled strength.
The ancient Greeks understood the gentle or meek person to be the one who is angry on the right occasion, with the right people, at the right moment, for the right amount of time. The middle point between excessive anger and the inability to show anger.
Jesus is the prime example of ' praus ' - the lion and the Lamb.

The Hebrew word for gentle is ,' Anavah ( humility ). This word does not suggest weakness but rather the recognition of one's proper place in the universe before God. Those conscious of their inner poverty, who mourn over their sinful condition, can let go of the need to ' manage appearances', to be in control, or to seek validation from others, and therefore they are free to surrender their lives to God's care. They 'flow 'with the Father's will as a ' gentle breeze ', no longer resisting or striving but simply trusting in God's care. When they are wronged,they seek neither revenge or vindication, but only restoration. It takes strength to be genuinely ' lowly of heart', but such is found in the Spirit of God .
The humble shall inherit the land and delight themselves in great peace ( psalm 37v11 )


Psalm 37v1-11
How should I respond when others seem to be getting away with evil deeds ?
- trust in the Lord
- do good
-dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness ( ongoing process )
-delight yourself in the Lord
- focus on God.

James 1v19-21
What do I learn about anger ?
- be slow to anger
- my anger does not achieve God's righteousness. Put aside all wickedness and in humility ( praus ) receive the word which controls my mind, will and emotion.

Psalm 37 v22, 29,34
What does this verses say about the righteous?
- they will inherit the land
- they will dwell in it forever
- God will honour them by giving them the land.