Article February 12, 1996 Issue

The might of meekness

Joan Sieber Ware

Meekness ... not a very popular word these days. Certainly not on many people's "top ten" list. Yet meekness is not an outdated, weak quality, as many believe; rather, it's absolutely essential for productive and successful living. The way of meekness is actually the way of might.

The Bible records a chain of meekness in the lives of great individuals, including Moses, Solomon, and the Master, Christ Jesus. Moses was described as being "very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth" (Num. 12:3). When Solomon was made king, his response was "I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. ... Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people" (I Kings 3:7, 9). Jesus taught us that the meek "shall inherit the earth" (Matt. 5:5).

Meekness, then, instead of making for ineffectual lives, shone forth in such might in these individuals that their influence is widespread today. Moses succeeded in leading his people out of slavery and gave us the Ten commandments. Solomon became the wisest—and most prolific!—king of that time: "He was wiser than all men. ... He spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five" (I Kings 4:31, 32). Jesus' life of healing and teaching brilliantly shines as the supreme example for all Christian followers in every age. His mission and work are unparalleled. He is the Saviour, the Way-shower.

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